A tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, resulted in the deaths of at least 32 children on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, during an end-of-year event organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
The event, initially intended for 5,000 participants, drew over 7,500 attendees, leading to a chaotic scene that resulted in the tragic loss of young lives.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as parents and children rushed to enter the venue, creating a crush at the entrance. One witness explained that although the event was planned for 5,000 participants, the disorganized crowd far exceeded that number, leading to the stampede. Victims were reportedly trapped in the crush at the main gate, with many of them unable to escape the crowd.
The stampede occurred in the early morning hours, and the overwhelming turnout caused gridlock on the Basorun-Idi Ape Road, complicating rescue efforts.
Children were rushed to nearby hospitals, including University College Hospital (UCH), Patnas Hospital, and Western Hospital, where several were declared dead on arrival. At Patnas Hospital, six children were brought in; five died, while one survived and was discharged after treatment.
In response to the incident, Agidigbo FM, a media partner for the event, distanced itself from the tragedy.
Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station's Director of Programs, clarified that Agidigbo FM’s role was limited to media promotion and public service announcements.
Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, also reiterated that the radio station was not responsible for the event’s logistics or planning.
The Oyo State Government quickly mobilized a rapid response team to provide medical assistance and transport victims to hospitals across the city. State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the government had no involvement in organizing the event, stressing the need for proper crowd control at such large gatherings, particularly those involving children.
