A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on December 18, 2024, when a children’s funfair turned fatal due to a catastrophic stampede.
The event, organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support (WINGS) Foundation—an initiative led by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife—was held at the Islamic High School in Basorun.
The funfair, intended to accommodate 5,000 children, was overwhelmed by an attendance exceeding 7,500, leading to overcrowding and chaos.
The funfair was designed as a festive celebration for children, featuring various activities and the promise of gifts and scholarships. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly when the massive crowd at the entrance caused a surge, resulting in a deadly stampede.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and confusion as children and parents were caught in the crush, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. Reports indicate that at least 30 children lost their lives, with dozens more injured.
Emergency services responded promptly, transporting injured children to various hospitals across Ibadan, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Ring Road State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State confirmed the incident, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of young lives. He stated that the organizers had been taken into custody pending further investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso assured the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The state government emphasized that it was not involved in the planning of the event and highlighted the necessity for proper coordination when organizing large gatherings, especially those involving children.
In the wake of the tragedy, Agidigbo FM, a prominent radio station that had promoted the event, clarified its role, stating that while it had advertised the funfair, it was not involved in its organization. The station expressed condolences to the bereaved families and underscored the importance of adequate planning and safety measures in future events to prevent such calamities.
This devastating incident has sparked widespread calls for stricter regulations and oversight in the organization of public events, particularly those involving children. The necessity for effective crowd control, proper planning, and adherence to safety protocols has been brought to the forefront, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The Ibadan funfair stampede serves as a tragic reminder of the critical importance of safety and proper planning in event management. As investigations continue, it is hoped that lessons learned from this incident will lead to the implementation of measures that ensure the safety of participants in future events, safeguarding against such heartbreaking occurrences.
