At least 35 children have been confirmed dead following a tragic stampede at a funfair event in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, where the Wings Foundation, in collaboration with Agidigbo FM, organized a festive gathering for children. The event, meant to distribute food and N5,000 each to 5,000 children, turned deadly when overcrowding led to chaos as attendees attempted to enter the venue.
The Oyo State Police Command reported that six others are critically injured and undergoing medical treatment. In response to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences and ordered a full investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. The President also called for enhanced safety protocols at public events to prevent future occurrences.
The police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident, including Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and several event organizers. Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso confirmed the arrests and stated that the case had been transferred to the Homicide Section for a thorough investigation.
The incident occurred as early as 5 a.m. when children, accompanied by their parents, began gathering at the venue. By 7:30 a.m., the venue was overcrowded, and an attempt to open the gate led to the stampede. Eyewitnesses blamed inadequate security and poor planning for the tragedy, with reports of insufficient crowd control measures.
In response to the incident, the Oyo State Police assured residents of heightened security presence in the area to prevent further unrest. Meanwhile, President Tinubu urged event organizers to prioritize safety, particularly for children, and to adhere to strict safety regulations.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the recovery of the injured.
As the investigation continues, the affected families are left grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their children, while survivors recover in local hospitals. The Oyo State government has pledged to take further measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
