The tragic events at the funfair held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 20 have sparked intense public outcry, particularly following the horrific deaths of 35 children in a stampede. As the city still grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, one legal expert is calling for serious consequences for parents who allegedly threw their children over a fence in an attempt to collect palliatives, triggering chaos and contributing to the deadly stampede.
Oluwatobi Fatoki, a respected lawyer and former spokesperson for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ibadan, has strongly condemned the actions of these parents. According to him, those who played a direct role in the children’s deaths by encouraging or facilitating such dangerous actions should face legal prosecution. Fatoki, in an exclusive interview, emphasized that parental responsibility cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
“If a child dies in such an incident, the parent who allowed this to happen should be held accountable,” Fatoki declared, visibly distressed by the tragedy. “A parent’s foremost duty is the protection and well-being of their child, and any negligence that leads to harm, especially death, should be punished.”
The fatal incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a joyous funfair, a charity event aimed at distributing palliatives to families. Instead, chaos erupted when excited children, urged on by their parents, attempted to scramble over a perimeter fence to claim the handouts. The stampede that followed led to the tragic loss of young lives.
Eyewitnesses report that many children were trapped or crushed as the crowd surged toward the gate. Panic spread quickly, with some parents still attempting to push their children into the frenzy, despite the obvious danger. The scene was chaotic, with cries of distress filling the air as medics and bystanders tried to help. Police confirmed that 35 children died in the incident, and dozens more were injured.
Fatoki has described the act of throwing children over the fence as “outrightly illegal and injurious.” He argued that such actions go against the fundamental principles of safety and well-being that all parents must uphold. “What kind of parent would endanger their own child just to get a few handouts? We must ask ourselves, where is our national ethics? Where is the duty of care that every guardian should have for their child?” he questioned.
The legal expert also placed blame on the lack of proper oversight for such events. While the tragedy has been linked to the reckless behavior of some parents, Fatoki believes that inadequate planning and failure to regulate large-scale charity events played a crucial role in the incident.
“Government institutions and organizers of such events should put in place strict policies and protocols to avoid these kinds of disasters,” Fatoki urged. “There should be proper security measures, such as uniformed officers and medical staff, to monitor large crowds. No matter the type of event, the safety of attendees should be the top priority.”
The lawyer stressed the importance of preparing the public for large crowds, noting that community education on how to behave in these situations could prevent future tragedies. “There is a dire need for community leaders, especially school authorities, to engage the public in awareness campaigns about proper conduct during such events. If we had followed basic safety protocols and ensured the safety of our people, this could have been avoided.”
Fatoki’s words echo the growing calls for stronger enforcement of safety regulations at public gatherings. While the tragedy in Ibadan remains fresh in the minds of many, the lawyer’s comments bring to light the deep-rooted issues of accountability that are yet to be addressed by both authorities and the general public.
The incident, which has now drawn the attention of local and national lawmakers, has triggered wider debates on the role of government in ensuring the safety of citizens at public events. Many are calling for the establishment of clear-cut regulations regarding the distribution of palliatives, particularly in situations where large crowds are expected. Furthermore, there are demands for stricter penalties for organizers and individuals whose actions contribute to preventable tragedies.
One key issue that has emerged in the wake of the disaster is the broader societal mindset that may have led to the reckless behavior witnessed during the funfair. Experts argue that a combination of desperation, social inequality, and lack of education on safety may have driven parents to risk their children’s lives in pursuit of material gain.
“This is not just about a tragic stampede,” Fatoki commented. “It is a reflection of a deeper issue. We need to ask ourselves why these people were so desperate for palliatives. Why were they willing to sacrifice their children for these handouts? This goes beyond personal irresponsibility—it speaks to the systemic issues in our society.”
