No fewer than three persons have been reportedly killed following a violent incident at a hotel party in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The tragedy, which occurred on Saturday, disrupted celebrations organised by students and fresh graduates after the second convocation ceremony of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology.
It was gathered that the event, initially marked by excitement, turned chaotic after a disagreement among some attendees degenerated into a clash.
Eyewitnesses said the altercation escalated when some individuals allegedly used sharp objects, causing panic among those present.
The ensuing confusion reportedly triggered a stampede as partygoers scrambled for safety within the premises.
Sources said several persons fell during the rush and were trampled upon in the process.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Three persons lost their lives in the incident. Two died during the stampede, while another was allegedly attacked during the violence.
“One of the victims was said to be a fresh graduate who had taken part in the convocation earlier in the day.”
It was further learnt that two of the deceased were siblings, a development that has thrown their family and the community into mourning.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to ascertain if any arrests had been made were still ongoing.