Police Confirm 35 Children Dead In Ibadan Stampede
• Tinubu mourns, orders probe
• Ooni’s ex-queen, six others arrested
The police yesterday put the death toll of children during the stampede at a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday at 35.
Six critically injured participants are undergoing treatment.
Also yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, ordered full investigation.
The police added that seven people, including Naomi Silekunola, an ex-queen of Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
On Wednesday, the Oyo State government, in an initial statement which it later withdrew to allow the police to compile the casualties figure, said 32 children died.
Wings Foundation, in collaboration with Agidigbo FM, organised the funfair, with a plan to give N5,000 each and food to 5,000 kids.
The event slated for the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan was billed to start by 10 am.
However, as early as 5 am, children, many of them accompanied by their parents, started converging on the venue. By 7.30 am, the place was jam-packed.
An attempt to open the gate of the venue led to a stampede.
In an attempt to gain an advantage, many were trampled upon, causing deaths and injuries.
An eyewitness said security was inadequate and the event poorly planned.
Police spokesman Adewale Osifeso, who said the matter had been transferred to the Homicide Section for a full investigation, announced that six others are critically injured and receiving treatment.
He listed those arrested as follows: “Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf, ’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.”
The statement by the police added: “Sequel to the stampede recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation and media partner, Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the state that seven persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions.
“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
“Also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.
“Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the state that Justice will be served accordingly.”
It should not reoccur, says Tinubu
President Tinubu said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, that safety measures should be put in place to prevent a reoccurrence.
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, and the grieving families.
“President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event,” the statement read.
President Tinubu directed relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragedy, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability.
He said: “It is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident.”
Apart from demanding accountability, the President urged the Oyo State Government to implement stringent safety measures, including a comprehensive review of safety protocols at public events, strict enforcement of regulations, and regular audits of event venues, to prevent a recurrence.
The President also appealed to event organisers to prioritise safety, especially for children, stressing the importance of professional security, protocol, and logistics.
He added: “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”
First Lady mourns
Senator Tinubu, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede, described the tragedy as a blow to the state and the country.
In a condolence message to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo, she extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.
Mrs. Tinubu said: “I condole with Governor Makinde, and the people of Oyo State on the tragedy that occurred on Wednesday, where the lives of many children were lost in a stampede.
“I sympathise with the family friends, and loved ones of the deceased.”
The First Lady also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident, emphasising the need for hope and healing in the face of such a heartbreaking occurrence.
She said: “I also pray for speedy recovery and total healing for those who are still in the hospital.
“May the Lord grant peace to Oyo State, comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones, and hope to those grieving at this time.
“My heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this devastating incident.”
Survivors leave hospitals
Some children were discharged from private hospitals yesterday.
Also, bereaved parents have been reporting in the hospitals to claim the corpses of their children.
When The Nation visited the venue of the incident yesterday, security operatives were still seen within and around the perimeter.
Business owners have resumed operations unhindered.
Some women and children were still spotted in the vicinity while clothes, rags, shoes, sandals, slippers, bags, and used nylon bags littered the space.
The chairs and canopies had been removed while the white plastic chairs were still stacked in batches.
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, Oluwo Kekere, Bashorun, it was gathered that the two children who were resuscitated had been discharged.
Also, the two remaining corpses of children at the facility had been picked up by the parents.
It was gathered that the parents of the deceased children were allowed to take the corpse, against government directive, when they threatened to make trouble with the owners of the hospital.
It was confirmed that four children were brought in dead at the facility on Wednesday.
When our reporter visited the Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, it was gathered that about 20 children were brought in dead (BID) on Wednesday.
The Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Council (CMAC), Dr Adeoye Allen-Taylor, said four children were still on admission and responding to treatment.
The CMAC explained that other patients would be discharged as soon as they were medically fit to go.
One of the parents of the children who is receiving treatment said he regretted attending the event.
She thanked God that her three and half-year-old son was still alive.
She said she would never attend such an event again, even with a promise of gifts running to millions of naira.
Eyewitness recounts ordeal
A Facebook user on Agidigbo FM page, Ridwan Ishola Kazeem, who was at the scene, narrated: “The chaos started when people were told that Alaji was around and everyone stood up to go and see him.
“I was there at a far distance. I saw people throwing their children through the fence before they also jumped the fence, all in the name of meeting Mr Oriyomi.
“There was laxity in security. I expected Amotekun, Operation Burst and Road Safety to be there.
“I couldn’t do a video recording so that those useless hoodlums would not hijack my phone. Besides, I was holding my children with both hands.
“This is such a big lesson to the entire Agidigbo FM that human beings are the most difficult to control; especially adults who think they are old enough to make a decision.
“It’s so sad but the organisers didn’t do well at all. I was there with my children that morning by exactly 06:40 with the hope that I would have tickets and secure space for my children.
“Since this thing is free, they should expect more than 5000 people.
“Security personnel should bring orderliness; there should be ticket available and immediately you get to the gate, collect your ticket and those in charge will walk you to where you will stay.
“It’s wrong for Mr Oriyomi to be at the venue at that time.”
Agidigbo Radio: we are not part of the organisers
The management of Agidigbo FM, a radio station that promoted the Children Funfair, said the station was not part of the organisers.
A statement by the Director of Programmes, Olayinka AbdulWahab, said the radio was among the media outfits used to promote the event.
It reads: “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 fun fair 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 says that Agidigbo FM is the organiser.
“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 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcement, from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organisers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
“This a very sad day for us all. However, we call on the general public to shun fake news and contact Agidigbo FM, for more information. 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 sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives.
“Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience any tragic experience.”
Ogunwusi to Naomi: Don’t be discouraged
Oba Ogunwusi urged Naomi, Ogunseyi and Hamzat, not to be discouraged by the turn of events.
He also promised to give succour to the families of victims, urging the government to step up actions to prevent a reoccurence.
The monarch, in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, expressed grief over the incident.
He said “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo state, the organisers; Agidigbo Radio owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, former queen at the Ooni’s Palace; Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday.
“We also express our solidarity with the government of Oyo State as they navigate this difficult moment, especially Mr Governor’s commendable responsiveness.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children across Nigeria.
“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.”
Oba Ogunwusi called for immediate actions to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.
He added: “Rather than being discouraged by the sorrowful end of the event, which was initially planned to show love for the children, giving helping hands to their parents during this Yuletide, Miss Naomi Silekunola, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat and their co-organisers should remain committed to doing such laudable programmes for the children, but with better plans and strategies of execution in the future. The lesson must be learnt.“
Ebonyi cancels Makinde birthday becture
A birthday lecture for Makinde at Abakaliki was cancelled in solidarity with the victims.
The theme of the lecture, which was to be delivered by Senator Ben Obi, was: “Igbo Culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba, the Oluseyi Makinde paradigm.”
The former governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu, who was billed to chair the event, and the Chief Organiser, Ali Odefa, a cheiftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Makinde cannot be mourning and at the same time attending the event.
Odefa said:”This event was to honor the Governor of Oyo State, but unfortunately, we can see he is not here with us. It is also not right that parents who lost their children are mourning and we are here celebrating.”
Oyo State elders mourn
The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, expressed sadness over the loss of lives.
He commiserated with Makinde, bereaved families, relatives, and friends of those who perished in the incident.
A statement by Ayorinde said the Council acknowledged the devastating impact of the stampede on victims’ families and loved ones.
He said: “The government swiftly deployed security agents to restore order at the venue, provided medical and ambulance services to attend to the injured, and took steps to prevent further loss of lives.”
“The Council thanked the governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State. The government’s prompt response to the incident has been praised for preventing further casualties and reducing the impact of the tragedy.
“The Council wished a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the incident and prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace. The incident has been described as a sad day for Oyo State, and the Council shared the grief of the bereaved families.
“As investigations into the incident continue, the Council urged all parties involved to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that justice is served. The Council also called for calm and restraint, as the people of Oyo State come to terms with this tragic incident.”
Radio owner hospitalised
Hamzat is said to be in an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan for treatment, a source said.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said Hamzat has been unconscious since Wednesday and currently receiving medical care at a facility.
He said the radio station owner suffered shock, which lead to his current state of unconsciousness.
The source added: “The chairman, Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, is currently unconscious and currently at an undisclosed hospital.
“Due to the tragic event that happened yesterday (Wednesday) he could not handle the shock and he passed out.”
Sanwo-Olu condoles with Makinde
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his condolences to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state following a stampede during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 individuals.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account, Sanwo-Olu described the loss of young lives as devastating and offered prayers for the affected families.
“I offer my condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the tragic incident that occurred yesterday, resulting in the loss of young lives. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” the Governor stated.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the importance of communal solidarity in the aftermath of the tragedy, urging the community to support the grieving families.
“My thoughts are with the families and everyone affected by this event. As you navigate through this, I hope the community will come together to honor the memories of those lost and provide comfort to the grieving families,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded his message with a note of hope and support: “Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
The tragic event, which unfolded on Tuesday in Ibadan, has left the nation in mourning.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that 35 individuals lost their lives in the incident, though specific details about the circumstances leading to the tragedy remain under investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with political leaders, community groups, and citisens calling for swift action to address any potential lapses that may have contributed to the loss of lives.
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