Three Confirmed Dead in Convocation After-Party Stampede in Ikere Ekiti

Three persons, including a recently convocated student of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) and a hotel staff member, have been confirmed dead following a stampede during a convocation after-party in Ikere Ekiti.

The incident occurred late on Saturday night at a venue operated by Crown Emirate, a hotel in the town. According to sources, the university’s official after-party had been scheduled to hold at GreenHill, where adequate security arrangements were put in place. However, Crown Emirate proceeded to publish a separate flyer for an unsanctioned event without consulting the Students’ Union Government (SUG) or the Student Affairs department.

The unsanctioned event was also advertised on the alumni platform, with a disclaimer indicating the information had been debunked. Despite this, students reportedly chose to attend because the Crown Emirate venue was closer to the campus, leading to severe overcrowding.

Eyewitnesses said panic broke out during the gathering, triggering a chaotic rush. Unconfirmed reports suggest a fight may have broken out, causing attendees to scramble for safety, which resulted in the stampede. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Security personnel at the hotel attempted to rescue the victims, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the university or police authorities regarding the incident.