A heartbreaking incident has thrown the city of Ibadan into mourning, as a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of several children and left others injured.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday morning at Basorun Islamic High School, where a private food funfair intended for 5,000 beneficiaries spiralled into chaos.
The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and pledged to support affected families during this difficult time.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government confirmed the swift deployment of emergency response teams to the scene.
Victims were rushed to several hospitals across Ibadan, including Patnas Specialist Hospital, Western Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
Prince Oyelade stated that the state government had no involvement in the organization of the private event and emphasized the importance of safety measures at public gatherings.
“The government is deeply pained by this tragedy,” Oyelade said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urge calm as investigations continue.”
The funfair was organized by Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife. It was meant to bring festive cheer to children by distributing food, gifts, and fun activities ahead of the holiday season.
However, the event quickly turned tragic as the crowd at the venue overwhelmed the available resources.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the situation escalated at the entrance, where a large crowd surged forward in a bid to gain access.
“We saw children struggling to breathe,” said an attendee who chose to remain anonymous. “The crowd was too much, and people were pushing without thinking of the consequences.”
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, administrative officer Olufemi Akinyele confirmed that six children were brought in from the stampede.
“Tragically, five of them were dead on arrival,” Akinyele revealed. “One child was rescued and is currently receiving treatment.”
Grief-stricken parents gathered at hospitals across the city, seeking information about their children. Some parents are yet to claim the bodies of four deceased children at Patnas Hospital.
One grieving parent, identified as Iya Ayo, tearfully expressed regret for allowing her child to attend the event.
“I wish I hadn’t let her go,” she lamented. “This pain is too much to bear.”
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, was commended for mobilizing medical teams to manage the emergency.
The government has vowed to provide support for survivors and bereaved families while ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, announced that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
“The organizers of the event will be held accountable for any lapses that led to this tragedy,” Osifeso stated.
Reports indicate that Governor Seyi Makinde has ordered the arrest of those behind the event as part of efforts to uncover the cause of the stampede.
Residents have criticized the apparent lack of planning and crowd control at the funfair. Many are calling for stricter regulations on public events, especially those involving children.
“How can such a massive event be held without proper crowd control measures?” questioned a concerned parent. “The safety of our children must come first.”
The Oyo State Government has urged parents to visit the following hospitals for information about their children, with valid identification in hand:
- Patnas Specialist Hospital, Basorun
- Western Hospital, Basorun
- Ringroad State Hospital
- Molly Specialist Hospital
- University College Hospital (UCH)
The stampede has sparked widespread discussions about the need for stricter safety protocols at public events in Nigeria.
