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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Ekiti varsity mourns graduates, student at hotel party stampede

From The Punch · (just now) English Critical tone

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TLDR

  • Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology (BOUESTI) mourns the deaths of two graduates and one student in a stampede at a hotel.
  • The incident occurred during a post-convocation party at the Emirate Hotel in Ikere Ekiti, separate from the university premises.
  • The university administration clarified that the convocation ceremony itself was peaceful and safe, and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology (BOUESTI) has expressed profound grief following a tragic stampede at a private hotel party that claimed the lives of two graduates and one student. The unfortunate incident occurred at the Emirate Hotel in Ikere Ekiti during a post-convocation celebration, separate from the university's official ceremonies.

Regrettably, we confirm that two of our graduands and one other student lost their lives in this tragic occurrence. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time.

โ€” Mrs Funmilola AdeusiConfirming the deaths and expressing condolences.

Registrar Mrs. Funmilola Adeusi confirmed the fatalities, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the wider university community. She emphasized that the university's second convocation ceremony, held on campus, was conducted peacefully and without any disruptions, underscoring BOUESTI's commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and order in all its official activities.

The University community mourns this painful loss and sympathises with the family and friends of all those affected.

โ€” Mrs Funmilola AdeusiOn behalf of the university.

Adeusi was keen to clarify that the stampede and subsequent loss of life did not happen at the university venue. Instead, it took place at an off-campus location where some graduands independently organized a party. Reports indicate a fight broke out at the hotel, leading to the fatal stampede. The Ekiti State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

We wish to categorically state that no stampede or violent incident occurred at the convocation venue or within the university premises during or after the ceremony.

โ€” Mrs Funmilola AdeusiClarifying the location of the incident.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.