ICYMI: What We Know About Ibadan Children Carnival’s Stampede That Left 32 Children Dead

….As Police detain principal, begins Investigation

At least 32 children have been confirmed dead during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The incident took place on Wednesday at the Bashorun Islamic High School in the state capital of Ibadan.

A statement by Dotun Oyelade, commissioner for information and orientation, said victims have been taken to different hospitals across Ibadan for treatment.

“A stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today,” the statement reads.

“The State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.

“Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.

“The medical facilities are Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist HospitalUniversity College Hospital (UCH).”

Seyi Makinde, Governor of the state, said that measures have been put in place to prevent further deaths at the venue, achieved by deploying security agents to restore order.

The Oyo governor said the primary organizers of the event that led to the stampede have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries,” Makinde wrote on X.

“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue.

“The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organizers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.”

The Oyo governor reassured residents that anyone directly or remotely involved in the disaster would be held accountable.

Makinde asked that people remain calm as security agencies investigate the incident, while also extending his condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.

According to the radio broadcast for the event, organizers announced provision of food and gift items for 5,000 children but nearly 8,000 turned up as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Multiple sources at the scene said the victims were stampeded to death while trying to break through the main gate of the premises.

Omolewa Azeez, a witness who was at the venue with her 7-year-old son, revealed that she arrived at 6 a.m. (0500GMT) to meet a crowd trying to force themselves into the premises of the carnival as there were not enough security personnel at the scene.

“Many people fell and were trampled, while others fainted due to the intense pressure of the crowd,” she said, adding that some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue.

Meanwhile, in an update men of the Oyo State Police Command have detained the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi.

According to report, Fasasi was invited by the police on Wednesday and has been detained since then.

Though the state government did not reveal the identities of the organizers, but findings revealed that the funfair was organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.

Also, on Tuesday, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan on its Facebook handle announced that Ogunwusi, who is the founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, was at the station ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair which was to be held today(Wednesday).

The post reads, “Founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, Her Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi in the Kunle Hamzat studio, ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair.

“Speaking during a special programme on Agidigbo FM, Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunswusi is set to host 5,000 kids between the ages of 0-13 years across Ibadan for free under the aegis of (WINGS) foundation.

“Olori Naomi Ogunwusi revealed that the event, scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, is strictly for children and they will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts.

“Olori Ogunwusi also assured parents and guardians of adequate security for all participants of the event.”