A devastating stampede at a children’s funfair held at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, has claimed the lives of at least 38 children, with several others left injured. The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday during an event that was initially billed as a joyous occasion for families.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the organisers of the event have been arrested as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disaster continue.
In a statement shared on his official X handle, Makinde expressed profound sorrow over the loss of young lives and offered his condolences to the grieving families.
“Earlier today, an incident occurred at Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple deaths and injuries,” Governor Makinde wrote.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
The governor also stated that security personnel had been swiftly deployed to restore order at the scene, while medical teams and ambulances were dispatched to tend to the victims.
The event was immediately halted, and attendees were escorted from the premises for their safety.
Makinde assured the public that those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable, urging calm as security agencies conduct their investigation.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident,” he added.
While the names of the organisers have yet to be officially disclosed, it has emerged that the event was co-organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a prominent Ibadan-based radio station owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
On Tuesday, Agidigbo FM had announced on its Facebook page that Queen Naomi, founder of the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support (WINGS) foundation, was preparing to host the 2024 Children’s Funfair, which was to cater to 5,000 children between the ages of 0–13.
The event was promised as a free event offering scholarships and other prizes. During a special radio broadcast, Queen Naomi assured parents that “adequate security for all participants” would be in place.
However, the deadly stampede that ensued has raised serious concerns regarding the safety measures and crowd control protocols at the venue.
The stampede has left the Ibadan community in shock, with many parents rushing to nearby hospitals in search of their children. Grief-stricken residents have expressed outrage over the lack of preparedness and the failure to prevent such a tragedy.
Governor Makinde’s administration has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the disaster and to ensure that those responsible face justice.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety measures and crowd control at large public events, particularly those involving children.