Survivors recount ordeal; hospitals release corpses; Tinubu, Ooni, and others mourn
A tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan has plunged Oyo State into mourning as the death toll continues to rise. The event, which occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, was organized by a non-governmental organization, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS), founded by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife. The stampede claimed the lives of 35 minors and left six others critically injured.
Details of the Incident
The funfair, hosted at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was reportedly intended for 5,000 children. However, the turnout far exceeded expectations, with over 7,500 participants flooding the venue. Chaos ensued as the crowd surged to gain access to the premises, resulting in a catastrophic stampede. Multiple eyewitness accounts revealed that children and adults were trampled as they scrambled to enter the overcrowded venue.
The Oyo State Police Command has detained seven individuals in connection with the incident, including Prophetess Silekunola, aged 31, and the 56-year-old principal of the school, Fasasi Abdulahi. Other individuals detained include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Adewale Osifeso, in a statement, confirmed that the case had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department. He assured the public of a thorough investigation and justice for the victims, emphasizing that safety measures at public events must be rigorously enforced to prevent future tragedies.
Government and Hospital Responses
Parents of the deceased children, many of whom were inconsolable, have been granted custody of their children’s remains. The bodies were released from various hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ring Road State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed that the state government had taken swift action to ensure that the victims’ families could claim the bodies of their loved ones without delay.
Survivors’ Ordeal
Heart-wrenching stories of survival and loss emerged from the survivors and their families. A mother, identified as Iya Ayomide, shared her traumatic experience:
“Honestly, I regret my action, and I will never do that again in my life. I left home early with my two children to attend the event. When we arrived, the crowd was overwhelming. Shortly after the gates were opened, everyone surged forward. My daughter was trampled upon, and for several minutes, I couldn’t find her. I had to fight to rescue her, biting and pushing my way through the crowd. She was unconscious but was revived by first responders.”
Another parent, in tears, described the scene as a nightmare. “Though my child survived, I regret everything. The sight of those lifeless children will haunt me forever. I thank God for sparing our lives, but I cannot erase the horror of that day.”
Agidigbo FM Chairman Hospitalized
Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM and a media partner for the event, reportedly collapsed from shock upon learning about the tragedy. He was rushed to a hospital where he is receiving treatment. Hamzat’s elder brother confirmed that the incident deeply affected him, leaving him unconscious for hours.
Tinubu, Wife, and Ooni of Ife Mourn
President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the tragedy, directing a comprehensive investigation into the incident. His statement, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the need for stricter safety measures at public events.
“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” Tinubu said. He extended condolences to the grieving families and assured Nigerians that efforts would be made to prevent such incidents in the future.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also expressed her condolences, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. In a personal statement, she said, “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.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, through his spokesman, Moses Olafare, also mourned the tragedy. He praised Prophetess Naomi’s history of organizing similar events for children in Ile-Ife, urging her and other organizers to continue their philanthropic activities with improved safety measures.
Calls for Accountability and Reflection
The tragedy has reignited debates about event planning and safety in Nigeria. Critics argue that the lack of adequate crowd control, emergency response protocols, and venue capacity management contributed significantly to the disaster.
The Ooni’s palace urged stakeholders to adopt rigorous adherence to safety standards and implement child welfare policies. The palace also condemned the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who allegedly sensationalized the tragedy for publicity.
“We urge media practitioners to exercise restraint, compassion, and professionalism in reporting sensitive issues, as their narratives significantly influence public perception and healing processes,” Olafare stated.
Moving Forward
The Ibadan funfair tragedy is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety in public gatherings, especially those involving children. As the nation mourns the loss of young lives, the call for accountability, reflection, and reforms grows louder. It is hoped that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes in event management practices, ensuring that such an incident never occurs again.
For now, Oyo State and the entire nation grieve for the innocent lives lost and the families left devastated by this preventable calamity.
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