Three feared dead in BOUESTI graduates’ party

By Idowu Adebomi

Tragedy struck in Ikere-Ekiti as three former students of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) were feared dead following a violent outbreak at a graduation party.

The incident occurred at a popular local hotel where graduates and students had gathered to celebrate the institution’s second convocation ceremony.

According to eyewitnesses, a disagreement between attendees quickly escalated into a brawl involving sharp objects, triggering a massive stampede as partygoers scrambled for safety.

Sources indicate that the violence and subsequent crush resulted in three fatalities. Two victims reportedly died from injuries sustained in the stampede, while a third was allegedly killed during the initial altercation.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, two of the deceased were reported to be siblings. One of the victims had only just participated in the official convocation ceremony hours prior.

This incident marks a somber shadow over what was intended to be a milestone celebration for the young institution. BOUESTI, which was upgraded from a College of Education to a University in 2020, has been working to establish its reputation for academic excellence.

The report of siblings dying together adds a profound layer of communal grief and is likely to intensify calls for stricter security oversight at off-campus student gatherings.

While the Ekiti State Police Command has yet to release an official report, the tragedy highlights the recurring security challenges surrounding late-night social events in university towns.

Authorities are expected to investigate not only the cause of the fight but also the safety protocols and capacity limits of the venue where the stampede occurred.