Three people have lost their lives following a stampede at a party in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The incident occurred after the second convocation ceremony of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology. Students who attended the ceremony on Saturday later gathered at a hotel in the town to celebrate.
The situation turned chaotic in the early hours of Sunday when confusion broke out during the event. Panic spread among attendees, leading to a rush for the exit and resulting in a deadly stampede.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
According to the police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a full probe into the matter.
Preliminary findings indicate that the party continued late into the night before a disagreement between two students escalated into a physical altercation. The clash reportedly triggered panic, forcing others at the venue to flee.
In the process, three people died — two students whose identities are yet to be confirmed, and a hotel staff member.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue, where autopsies will be conducted.
Police authorities say efforts are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved in the altercation.
The Commissioner of Police also extended condolences to the families of the victims, assuring that a thorough investigation will be carried out.