Authority launches probe into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy allegedly claims 32 lives

Investigations into a tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which reportedly claimed the lives of 32 children has commenced by the Oyo State Police Command.

According to reports, the event allegedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat was held on Wednesday.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the stampede occurred as attendees rushed to gain entry into the venue at Islamic High School, Bashorun.

Initial arrangements had been made for 5,000 participants, but over 7,500 reportedly turned up, leading to overcrowding and chaos.

One eyewitness explained, “The organisers invited 5,000 participants, but the situation spiralled out of control due to poor organisation. That’s how the stampede happened.”

Another participant, who lost a child, lamented, “Rather than attend to us properly, there was chaos. I lost my child in the process.”

,,,,,,,,The tragedy unfolded as children were trampled while trying to force their way through the school gate.

Video footage from the scene showed distressed parents and children being rushed to nearby hospitals.

A grieving parent said, “We slept together last night, not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter is gone.”

,,,,….Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat and linked to the event, has distanced itself from being an organiser.

In a statement, its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, clarified, “Agidigbo FM was a media partner, not the organiser. Upon noticing the crowd, we issued announcements urging people to stay away.”

—–The police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso stated, “Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly.”

Reports indicate that parents and children began arriving at the venue as early as 5am.

One of the hospitals treating victims, Patnas Hospital, confirmed that five out of six children brought in had died.

___,,,,,“We managed to save one child, who has since been discharged,” said Administrative Officer Olufeyemi Tolulope.

The University College Hospital, UCH, also reported receiving five victims, all brought in dead.

Public Relations Officer Funmi Adetuyibi said, “None of the victims is on admission as of now.”

Parents of deceased children have called on authorities to ensure the swift release of their children’s bodies.

,,,_____Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, listed other hospitals handling victims, including Western Hospital and Molly Specialist Hospital.

Efforts to reach Prophetess Naomi for comments proved unsuccessful as her phone line was unavailable.

Text messages sent to her also went unanswered.

Gridlock was reported on the Basorun-Idi Ape Road as crowds and rescue workers gathered at the scene and nearby hospitals.

,,,,,Security guards at some facilities turned reporters away, claiming no victims were admitted there.

The tragedy has sparked widespread calls for accountability and better crowd management at public events.

A parent lamented, “This could have been avoided with proper planning and organisation.”

The stampede has renewed discussions about safety measures at events, especially those involving children.

……Civil society groups have urged the government to hold organisers accountable to prevent future occurrences.

Reacting to the incident, social commentator Akin Adeola said, “This is a wake-up call for all event planners. Human lives must be prioritised over profit or popularity.”

……Agidigbo FM reiterated its commitment to the victims, urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation.

“Let’s focus on supporting the affected families during this difficult time,” the station’s statement added.

The tragedy has left the Ibadan community in mourning, with many questioning how an event meant to bring joy ended in disaster.

The authorities have pledged to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

,,,,,As the investigation continues, stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive review of event management protocols to safeguard public safety.

At the time of filing this report, arrested suspects still at the police custody.