Stampede at Children’s Funfair in Ibadan Claims Lives: Organisers Arrested
A tragic stampede at a children’s funfair held at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday has left many feared dead, with several others injured. Authorities have arrested the organisers as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed the arrests in a statement shared on his official X account. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured the public that those responsible would be held accountable.
Governor’s Response
Governor Makinde described the incident as a dark day for Oyo State, extending his condolences to the victims’ families. He outlined immediate measures taken to prevent further casualties, including deploying security personnel to restore order, halting the event, and evacuating attendees.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has turned to mourning due to these deaths,” the governor stated. “While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event have been taken into custody. Anyone directly or remotely involved will be held accountable.”
He also noted that medical personnel and ambulances had been dispatched to the venue and assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
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Details of the Incident
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the stampede occurred when participants, eager to gain access to the venue, rushed the main gate, resulting in chaos. Reports indicate that the event, organised for 5,000 children, drew an estimated crowd of over 7,500, overwhelming the venue’s capacity.
Multiple sources disclosed that some families had arrived as early as 5 a.m., causing severe congestion. An eyewitness claimed, “The organisers expected 5,000 participants, but poor organisation caused the situation to spiral out of control.”
At least 32 children are feared dead, with one hospital confirming the death of five children among six brought in. An administrative officer at Patnas Hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, stated, “The affected children were brought in some minutes past 8 a.m. Five were confirmed dead, while one is recuperating.”
Organisers Respond
The funfair was reportedly organised by the WINGS Foundation, led by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
However, Agidigbo FM, owned by Hamzat and promoted as a media partner for the event, denied being the organiser. In a statement signed by its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station expressed shock over the tragedy and extended sympathies to the victims.
“Agidigbo FM was not the organiser of the event but only a media partner. Upon realising the venue was overcrowded, we immediately aired public service announcements urging people to stop going to the venue,” Abdulwahab clarified.
Police Investigation
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident. The command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the stampede and assured the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the tragedy caused significant disruptions in the area, including gridlock along Basorun-Idi Ape Road, as families and rescuers scrambled to respond to the emergency.
Public Outcry
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with calls for stricter safety measures at public events. Many have questioned the organisers’ capacity to manage the large crowd and ensure participants’ safety.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits answers and accountability for this avoidable tragedy. Governor Makinde concluded his statement with a heartfelt prayer: “May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
