The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the reported deaths of 32 children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the stampede occurred when attendees surged to gain entry to the venue. The event was allegedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
Overcrowding Led to Tragedy
Reports revealed that the venue was initially prepared to host 5,000 children. However, more than 7,500 attendees reportedly showed up. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as participants attempted to force their way through the main gate, leading to the stampede.
One eyewitness, in a video statement, recounted that the organizers initially planned for 5,000 participants. However, poor organization and the overwhelming turnout caused the situation to spiral out of control.
Another attendee shared the devastating experience of losing a child, saying, “They didn’t handle the situation properly. Instead of helping us, they became aggressive. I lost my child, and they’ve been taken to the University College Hospital.”
Distressing footage from the scene showed children being carried out of the venue amidst chaos. A grieving mother was seen crying over the death of her child, while others lamented the loss of their loved ones.
Victims were rushed to multiple hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. At Patnas Hospital, six children were admitted, five of whom sadly passed away, while one survived and was discharged.
An emotional parent at the hospital cried, “I never thought this would happen. My daughter is gone. Please, wake her up, doctor.”
Agidigbo FM Responds
Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, issued a statement distancing itself from the organization of the event. The station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, expressed sympathy for the victims while clarifying that the station was merely a media partner for the event.
Abdulwahab stated, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and sympathize with the affected families. Agidigbo FM was not the organizer of the funfair but provided media support for the event. When we noticed overcrowding as early as 5 a.m., we used announcements to warn people to avoid the venue.”
He added that the station is praying for the recovery of the injured and supports the families of those who lost their lives.
Police Investigation Underway
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, assured the public that updates would be provided as the inquiry progresses.
Parents Demand Justice
Some parents who lost their children are demanding that the government intervene. They want hospital managements to release the bodies of the deceased for proper burial.
At UCH, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed that five victims were brought in dead. She noted that as of the time of the report, no victims were on admission at the hospital.
Meanwhile, sources at Molly Hospital and Western Hospital also confirmed that victims brought to their facilities were declared dead upon arrival.
Efforts to contact Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, one of the event organizers, were unsuccessful. Her phone number was unreachable, and a text message sent to her remained unanswered at the time of filing this report.
As the investigation continues, the public and affected families await answers and justice for the tragic loss of innocent lives.
