The city of Ibadan was thrown into mourning on Wednesday after a tragic stampede at a children’s Christmas party claimed the lives of about 30 children.
The incident occurred at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Reports revealed that the event was organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in partnership with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a popular radio station in Ibadan owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
What was supposed to be a joyful celebration quickly turned into chaos, leaving dozens dead and many others injured.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the heartbreaking development, describing it as a “very sad day for Oyo State.”
“We Sympathize With Families Turned to Mourning” – Governor Makinde
In a statement released shortly after the tragedy, Governor Makinde expressed profound sadness over the incident.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State,” the governor said. “We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
He revealed that the state government has arrested the main organizers of the event and launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the disaster.
Governor Makinde assured the public that everyone responsible for the tragic event would face justice.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable,” he said.
Stampede Erupts Amid Overcrowding
Eyewitnesses recounted how the venue became dangerously overcrowded as families thronged the Islamic High School for the festive party.
“The children were so excited, but the crowd was just too much,” said a local resident who pleaded anonymity. “It was clear that the organizers underestimated how many people would come.”
The situation spiraled out of control when panic erupted, causing a stampede that left dozens trampled.
Medical personnel and ambulances were quickly deployed to the scene, but for many children, help came too late.
Security and Medical Teams Deployed to Scene
The state government swiftly deployed security agents to restore order and medical teams to provide emergency care to the injured.
Governor Makinde confirmed that the event was immediately shut down, and attendees were escorted out of the venue.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order,” he stated. “The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue.”
Families Left Devastated
The tragedy has left families in Ibadan grieving the loss of their children.
A distraught mother who lost her 8-year-old son described her heartbreak: “He was so happy to attend the party. I never imagined I would lose him like this. I just want answers.”
The community has also expressed outrage, calling for accountability and stricter regulations for public events.
Organizers in Custody, Investigation Underway
Governor Makinde confirmed that the event organizers have been taken into custody and are assisting security agencies with their investigations.
While he refrained from naming those arrested, many have pointed to the high-profile collaboration between Queen Naomi and Agidigbo FM as the key to understanding what went wrong.
“The organizers had a responsibility to ensure the safety of all attendees,” a concerned citizen said. “This tragedy could have been avoided with better planning and crowd control.”
Call for Calm Amidst Investigation
The governor urged the people of Oyo State to remain calm as authorities continue their investigation.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy,” he said. “May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”