Stampede at Funfair in Ibadan Claims several Lives

December 19, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

A tragic incident unfolded yesterday at an Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, where a stampede during a funfair organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, led to the loss of multiple lives and injuries to several others.

The event, intended as a charitable gathering to distribute free food and money to 5,000 children, turned chaotic as a massive crowd overwhelmed the venue.

Parents reportedly began arriving at the venue as early as 6 a.m., hoping to secure entry. However, the delay in opening the gates created intense overcrowding. When attempts were made to reopen the gates for more people to enter, a stampede ensued. Many attendees, including children, were trampled in the chaos. Some fainted, others were injured, and several were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency responders transported the victims to various hospitals, including Patna’s Specialist Hospital, Oluwo Kekere Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, and the University College Hospital. Meanwhile, distraught parents searched for their displaced children.

Eyewitness Accounts

Mrs Omolewa Azeez, who attended the event and whose child was hospitalized, recounted the ordeal:
“We got there around 6 a.m., but the gates were not opened on time, which caused the crowd to grow too large. When they finally tried to open the gates, people began forcing their way in. The situation escalated when the gate was forced shut again, and many fell in the ensuing rush. People were stepping on others, and even before the gate opened, some were already fainting from the lack of space and fresh air.”

At Patna’s Specialist Hospital, the administrative officer, Mrs. Oluwafemi Akinyele, provided updates on the victims; “By 8 a.m., we received five children, four of whom were already deceased. The fifth, a young boy, was resuscitated and is now stable. Later, the Red Cross ambulance brought in another child. In total, we received six victims. Sadly, four were declared dead on arrival, while two survived. One has been discharged, and the other remains under observation.”

Other hospitals also reported receiving victims. Best Western Hospital confirmed some fatalities but did not disclose the numbers. Molly Specialist Hospital referred its patients to other facilities and recorded no deaths on-site. Although the exact death toll remains unconfirmed, initial reports suggest that up to 32 lives may have been lost in the tragedy.

Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal expressed shock at the incident, stating that the state government had no prior knowledge of the event. He assured the public that the organizers would face consequences for their actions. Lawal also commended the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for her swift response and urged parents to check local hospitals for their missing children.

Also Read: Oyo State Tackles Unemployment with Youth Empowerment

Governor Seyi Makinde conveyed his condolences via social media, stating: “Earlier today, an incident occurred at Islamic High School, Basorun, during an event organized for families. Sadly, a stampede led to multiple fatalities and injuries. This is a devastating day for us in Oyo State. Our hearts go out to the affected families.

“We have taken immediate steps to prevent further casualties by deploying security personnel to restore order and medical teams to provide care. The event has been halted, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. Investigations are ongoing, and the primary organizers of the event are in custody.

“I assure the people of Oyo State that anyone found responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable. Our prayers are with the families of the victims. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

As investigations continue, the incident highlights the critical need for proper crowd management at public events to prevent such disasters. While the intended goal of the funfair was to spread joy and support the underprivileged, the lack of adequate planning and safety measures turned it into a sombre and tragic event.

Authorities have promised justice for the victims and accountability for the organizers as Oyo State mourns this heartbreaking loss.

Watch a video of the incident below ⇓