The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of 32 children during a stampede at a funfair event in Ibadan on Wednesday.
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The stampede reportedly occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, where over 7,500 participants attempted to gain access to a venue initially planned for 5,000 attendees. Eyewitness accounts linked the event to Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
According to one eyewitness, the overcrowding and lack of proper organisation contributed to the chaos. “We were not even up to 5,000 participants, but the disorganisation led to this tragedy,” she said. Another participant claimed to have lost a child in the incident.
The management of Agidigbo FM, owned by Hamzat, issued a statement clarifying that the station was a media partner, not the event organiser. “We sympathise with the victims’ families. Agidigbo FM was not the organiser but only promoted the event. We used all available means to advise people against attending when we realised the venue was overcrowded,” the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, stated.
The Oyo State Police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Hospitals in the area, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH), received victims, with several confirmed dead on arrival. An Administrative Officer at Patnas Hospital reported that five children were declared dead, while one survivor was discharged.
Parents at the hospitals lamented the loss of their children, calling for government intervention to release the remains. At UCH, the Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed that five victims were brought in dead but none were admitted for treatment.
Efforts to reach Prophetess Naomi Shikemi for comments were unsuccessful as her phone number was unavailable.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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