A tragic incident has claimed the lives of three people after a stampede broke out during a party in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the event took place shortly after the second convocation ceremony of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology. Students who had attended the ceremony on Saturday moved to a hotel in the town to celebrate.
The situation later became chaotic in the early hours of Sunday when confusion erupted during the gathering. The disorder led to a rush as people tried to leave the venue, causing a stampede that resulted in deaths.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the development on Sunday and said an investigation had begun to determine what led to the incident.
Police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, explained that the state Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had directed a full probe into the matter.
Initial findings showed that the party continued into the night after the convocation. At some point, two students reportedly had a disagreement which turned into a physical fight. The clash created panic among others at the venue, forcing many to run for safety.
During the rush to exit the premises, three people lost their lives. The victims include two students whose identities have not yet been confirmed and a staff member of the hotel.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a morgue, where autopsies are expected to be carried out.
The police said efforts are ongoing to understand everything that happened and identify those involved in the fight that triggered the chaos.
The Commissioner of Police also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and assured that the command would work to uncover the full details surrounding the incident.