The Oyo State Police Command, south west, Nigeria, has initiated an investigation into the tragic deaths of 32 children during a stampede at a funfair held in Ibadan on Wednesday. The event was reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, alongside broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the stampede occurred as participants, far exceeding the expected number, scrambled to enter the venue at Islamic High School, Bashorun. Organizers had planned for 5,000 children, but reports suggest over 7,500 attendees showed up, leading to overcrowding and chaos.
One eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, described the chaotic scene: “The organizers invited 5,000 participants, but the crowd was much larger. It became rowdy, and the stampede followed.”
Another attendee, who lost a child in the incident, expressed anger at the organizers. “Rather than attend to us properly, they wanted to fight us. I lost my child in the stampede,” he said.
Disturbing footage from the event showed frantic scenes as children were rushed out of the venue, with some parents wailing over the loss of their children.
In response, Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, issued a statement distancing itself from the tragedy. Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station’s Director of Programmes, emphasized that the station was only a media partner for the event and not its organizer.
“Upon noticing the overcrowding, we used all available media strategies to advise people to avoid the venue,” Abdulwahab said. He urged the public to pray for the victims and avoid spreading misinformation.
Efforts to contact Prophetess Naomi for her comments were unsuccessful, as her phone was unavailable, and messages went unanswered.
Several hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and University College Hospital (UCH), received victims of the tragedy.
At Patnas Hospital, six children were brought in, five of whom were pronounced dead. One child, who survived, has since been discharged.
A parent at the hospital mourned her loss, saying, “I never imagined this would happen. My daughter was fine yesterday. Please, wake her up!”
The University College Hospital confirmed receiving five victims, all brought in dead, while other hospitals either denied having victims on admission or declined to comment.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, released a statement confirming the hospitals where victims were admitted. Meanwhile, the state police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, assured the public that investigations were underway, promising updates as the probe progresses.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread grief and anger among parents and the public. Many are calling on the government to ensure proper oversight of future events to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
As investigations continue, families mourn the devastating loss of their children in what was meant to be a day of fun and joy.
