Over 20 children have reportedly lost their lives in a tragic stampede during a Christmas celebration organized for children in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The event, which was said to have been hosted by a popular broadcaster’s radio station, promised gifts for attendees.
According to online reports, several children were rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, where some were confirmed dead, while others remain in critical condition.
A news portal, TRIXX NG, reported, “About twenty children have been reportedly killed while some have been rushed to UCH in Ibadan following an unfortunate stampede that occurred at the venue.” The incident has also been corroborated by multiple users on X (formerly Twitter).
One user, @chemilly20, wrote: “A lot of people have lost their children’s lives because of free gifts from Agidigbo. UCH is full of dead bodies. God have mercy.”
Another user, @BennyUmoren, tweeted: “If you are in Ibadan, please don’t take your children to Oriyomi (Agidigbo FM) for free gifts. They just brought four children into UCH now. I don’t know if they are dead. I just saw another one die now. God, please help us.”
@FarinreOlumide expressed sorrow, tweeting: “May the Almighty rest the poor dead souls. I think the organization could have been better. There is poverty in the land, yes, but the organizers and Agidigbo FM should have known better.”
@DSegaj added: “Tragedy struck this morning at Agidigbo FM Ibadan during a Christmas giveaway organized by Oriyomi Hamzat. A stampede claimed the lives of several innocent children. What was meant to spread joy and relief turned into a heartbreaking disaster as families rushed to collect food.”
A source at UCH confirmed to a News Express Special Correspondent that some children were ‘BID’ – Brought In Dead – but the hospital is yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The tragedy has sparked widespread mourning and criticism over the event’s organization, with many calling for stricter measures to ensure the safety of attendees at public gatherings.