Segun Atanda/
A celebration marking the graduation of students from Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology ended in tragedy on Saturday night after a violent incident at a private hotel in Ikere-Ekiti left at least three students dead.
The incident occurred hours after the university held its second convocation ceremony, during which 1,645 students graduated.
Later that night, some of the graduates organised an independent after-party at Emirate Hotel, a popular venue among students in the town.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the atmosphere at the party turned chaotic when a fight broke out among attendees.
The altercation reportedly escalated quickly, triggering panic among the crowd.
A graduate who attended the event said confusion spread as people attempted to flee the scene.
“There was a fight, and it got out of hand. People became scared and started running towards the exit at the same time,” the source said.
The rush for safety led to a stampede, during which multiple people were injured. Some of the injured were later treated at a local health facility, with reports of serious injuries affecting parts of the body.
In a statement issued by the university’s registrar, Funmilola Adeusi, the institution confirmed that two graduating students and one other student lost their lives in the incident.
The management expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
The university clarified that the tragic incident did not occur on campus or at the convocation venue, stressing that the ceremony itself was conducted peacefully and without disruption.
According to the statement, the after-party was privately organised by some graduates and held off-campus.
“We wish to categorically state that no stampede or violent incident occurred at the convocation venue or within the university premises,” the registrar said. “The incident took place at a private location where some graduands independently organised a celebration.”
Meanwhile, police authorities in Ekiti State have reportedly ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The outcome of the probe is expected to shed more light on how the situation escalated and whether any individuals will be held accountable.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a staff member of the hotel may have died during the incident, although this has not been officially verified.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a moment of celebration for the graduating class.
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