“Ibadan Funfair Stampede: 35 Children Dead, Tinubu Orders Probe Amid National Mourning”
Sadly, a children’s funfair in Ibadan turned into a catastrophe on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 35 children and leaving six others critically injured in a devastating stampede. The event, held at Islamic High School, Basorun, was organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
Despite provisions made for 5,000 attendees, over 7,500 participants flooded the venue, leading to overcrowding. The event spiraled out of control when the gates were opened to the surging crowd, causing a deadly rush that trampled many, including children. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes as parents and organizers scrambled to save lives amidst the chaos.
The Oyo State Police Command has detained seven individuals, including Silekunola and the school principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, as investigations into the tragedy unfold. The case has been escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section for a thorough inquiry.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols for public events. He has ordered a full investigation and urged the Oyo State Government to ensure such incidents never occur again.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other leaders have also extended their condolences. The Ooni’s palace highlighted Silekunola’s history of philanthropy but called for stricter adherence to safety measures in future initiatives.
Parents who brought their children to the event shared gut-wrenching accounts of the stampede. “For almost five minutes, I couldn’t find my daughter. People were trampling over us,” one parent recounted. Survivors and grieving families are left grappling with the shock and trauma of the incident.
As the nation mourns, there is a growing demand for stricter enforcement of safety standards at public gatherings. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of crowd control and preparedness in safeguarding lives.
In the aftermath, the focus shifts to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing reforms to prevent similar tragedies. As Prophetess Silekunola and other organizers face scrutiny, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for better planning and safety in large-scale events, particularly those involving children.