A stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, claimed the lives of 32 children. The tragic event, which occurred on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, has prompted an investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos at the event, which was allegedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and a local broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat. Although the funfair was planned for 5,000 children, over 7,500 attendees overwhelmed the venue, leading to disorder.
One witness explained, “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants, but because we were not organized, that was why the situation got to this.” Another attendee shared his grief, saying he lost his child during the event.
Efforts to manage the crowd reportedly failed as desperate attempts to enter the venue turned chaotic. Video footage showed children being rushed out of the venue and distraught parents mourning their losses.
Agidigbo FM, owned by Hamzat, issued a statement clarifying its role. “Agidigbo FM is not the organizer but a media partner for the event,” said Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station’s Director of Programmes. The station expressed sympathy and urged the public to avoid misinformation while praying for the recovery of the injured.
Abdulwahab stated, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS Foundation, with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds is that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5am at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time, that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“This is not the time to spread misinformation. The management of Agidigbo FM implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathises with the family of those who lost their lives.”
Local hospitals received victims, with many reported dead on arrival. Patnas Hospital confirmed that out of six children brought in, five had died.
An Administrative Officer of Patnas Hospital, Basorun, where some of the victims were admitted, Olufeyemi Tolulope, said, “The affected children were brought in some minutes past 8am. Six children were brought into the hospital out of which five died while the other one is recuperating.
“We were told that the deceased fainted at the venue of the event. We were able to rescue one while the remaining five died. The surviving child has been discharged and released to her parents.
“One of the parents of the deceased, who was sighted at the hospital premises wailing, said, “I did not bargain for what happened to me. We slept together at home yesterday (Tuesday) not knowing that it would be the last time. My daughter is not dead. Please doctor wake her up.”
Other victims were taken to University College Hospital (UCH), where staff confirmed additional fatalities. Parents of deceased children called for immediate release of their bodies.
Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso confirmed the ongoing investigation, promising updates as the case develops. Meanwhile, traffic gridlock near the venue compounded the chaos as grieving parents and onlookers crowded the area.
