The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a tragic stampede that allegedly claimed the lives of 32 children during a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
According to The PUNCH, eyewitness accounts revealed that the event, held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, became chaotic when attendees rushed to gain access to the venue.
The funfair was reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
Sources indicated that while provisions were made for 5,000 children, over 7,500 turned up. The overcrowding led to a rush at the venue’s main gate, resulting in the stampede.
One eyewitness, speaking in a video circulating online, stated, “Oriyomi Hamzat mentioned that he planned for 5,000 participants, but because there was no proper organization, things got out of control.”
Another participant, mourning the loss of his child, said, “Instead of ensuring proper crowd control, the organizers ignored our concerns. Now, I’ve lost my child, who was taken to the University College Hospital.”
The video showed chaotic scenes of children being rushed from the venue as a woman wailed over the loss of her child.
In a statement, Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, clarified that the radio station was only a media partner for the event and not the organizer.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of the tragedy that occurred during the children’s funfair. However, we must clarify that Agidigbo FM was not the event organizer but merely a media partner,” said Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station’s Director of Programmes.
Abdulwahab added, “Upon realizing the large crowd, we used all media strategies to discourage more people from attending the venue. This is a time for prayers, not misinformation. We sympathize deeply with the affected families.”
The Oyo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations were ongoing.
Hospital officials provided additional details about the casualties. Olufeyemi Tolulope, an administrative officer at Patnas Hospital, Bashorun, revealed, “Six children were brought in, out of which five passed away. One child, who was successfully treated, has been discharged.”
At the University College Hospital, the Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed that five victims were brought in dead. “As of now, none of the victims are on admission at our facility,” she said.
Parents of the deceased, many of whom were seen at various hospitals, called on authorities to facilitate the release of their children’s bodies.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, stated that victims were admitted to Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Ring Road State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and the University College Hospital.
