Some 30 children have reportedly been trampled to death in a stampede in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, during a Christmas celebration organised for children.
Oyo State has announced the arrest of the organisers of the children’s party that occurred at the children’s Christmas party on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan.
The party was reportedly organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
Confirming the development, Governor Seyi Makinde said the main organizers had been taken into custody.
Many of the children, it was learnt, were rushed to the University of College Hospital, UCH, where many were confirmed dead while doctors have been battling to save the others.
Sources at UCH claimed that some of the children were Brought in Dead (BID).
“About 20 children have been reportedly killed while some have been rushed to UCH in Ibadan following an unfortunate stampede that occurred at the venue,” the portal TRIXX NG.
Several X (formerly Twitter) users have also confirmed the incident.
One of them by the name chemilly20 said: “A lot of people have lost their children’s lives because of free gifts from agidigbo. UCH is full of dead body God have mercy ooo”.
BennyUmoren tweeted: “If you are in Ibadan pls don’t carry your children to Oriyomi (Agidigbo FM) for free gifts. They just brought 4 children into UCH now. I don’t know if they are dead. I just saw another one die now Cc: Ifedolapo Stacyann Olanipekun God abeg o”.
FarinreOlumide tweeted: “May the Almighty rest the poor dead souls I think the organization could be better. There is poverty in the land. Yes and greed, too. But I thought the organizers and Agidigbo FM should know better.”
Similarly, DSegaj tweeted: “Tragedy struck this morning at Agidigbo FM Ibadan during a Christmas giveaway organized by Oriyomi Hamzat, as a stampede claimed the lives of several innocent children. What was meant to spread joy and relief turned into a heartbreaking disaster as families rushed to collect food.”
Governor Makinde’s statement said: “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
