Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday when a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of at least 32 children, leaving families in shock and mourning. The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, during an event reportedly organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, and a local broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as thousands of children and parents attempted to gain access to the venue, far exceeding the 5,000 participants originally planned for the event. Eyewitness accounts estimate that over 7,500 people showed up, overwhelming the organizers’ capacity to manage the crowd.
One eyewitness shared her account of the disarray: “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants, but because we were not organized, the situation got out of control, leading to casualties.”
Another distraught participant said, “Rather than attend to us properly, they started fighting us. I lost my child in the chaos. The child has been taken to the University College Hospital.”
The incident unfolded as children and their parents reportedly kept vigil outside the venue, hoping to secure spots at the funfair. However, the situation turned tragic when the crowd surged, leading to a stampede. Videos circulating online captured frantic efforts to rescue injured children and heart-wrenching cries from parents grieving their losses.
The management of Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, has distanced itself from the event, stating it was merely a media partner. In a statement signed by its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station expressed condolences to the victims but clarified its role.
“Agidigbo FM is not the organizer of the event but was one of the media outlets promoting it. Upon realizing the overcrowding, we used all available media strategies to sensitize the public and discourage further attendance at the venue,” Abdulwahab stated.
Hospitals across Ibadan received victims from the incident. At Patnas Hospital in Basorun, six children were admitted. According to Administrative Officer Olufeyemi Tolulope, five of the children were pronounced dead, while one survived and has since been discharged.
“We were told the children fainted at the venue. Unfortunately, we could only save one, while the others died,” Tolulope explained.
The University College Hospital (UCH) also confirmed receiving five victims who were brought in dead. Funmi Adetuyibi, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, said no victims remained on admission as of the time of reporting.
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Grieving parents have demanded the release of their children’s bodies from the hospitals.
One parent tearfully lamented, “I did not bargain for this. My daughter is not dead. Please, doctor, wake her up!”
Efforts to reach Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the event organizer, were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off, and messages sent to her went unanswered.
The Oyo State Police Command, through its spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that an investigation has commenced.
“Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly,” he said.