By WITH barely eight days to Christmas celebration across the globe, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was, on Wednesday, thrown into mourning as over 20 kids waiting to collect N5,000 gift each were trampled to death.
The tragic incident occurred at a fanfare reportedly organised by the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi.
Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi
The event, held at Basorun Islamic High School, was reportedly intended to cater to 5,000 beneficiaries, offering the cash gifts and fun in anticipation of the festive season.
The actual number of deaths and the injured has yet to be ascertained as of Wednesday, but sources said the dead couldn’t have been fewer than 30.
It was gathered that the event had earlier been widely publicised on Agidigbo FM in Ibadan to attract kids to the fanfare.
Queen Naomi, who is believed to have bankrolled the philanthropic gesture, had also reportedly visited the popular radio station to urge parents and guardians to bring their children and wards to attend in the spirit of the season.
Sources said the venue was filled with scores of children who had answered the Clarion call to come for the gift, but met their deaths due to poor crowd management.
A source told Stonix News that some of the trampled children were rushed to a private hospital close to his house around Bashorun in Ibadan with their mothers seen wailing uncontrollably.
“Some children that came for food sharing in Islamic School today (Wednesday) near Bashorun Market, opposite Winners Chapel in Ibadan were trampled to death.
“About 15 children were rushed to Western Hospital in front of my house, where the doctor confirmed them dead.
“The hospital rejected some. Parents were wailing and rolling on the floor. What a sad day! The crowd was much,” he lamented.
Governor Seyi Makinde
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has expressed its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives following the stampede that occurred at a private children’s funfair in Ibadan.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government confirmed the swift deployment of a rapid response team to the scene.
Victims were rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for urgent medical care.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, was also reportedly mobilized all available medical response teams to assist in managing the situation.
The government pledged its commitment to supporting the victims and their families during the difficult time.
Prince Oyelade clarified in the statement that the Oyo State Government was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event.
He emphasised the importance of proper coordination and safety measures for gatherings involving children and vulnerable groups.
He extended the government’s heartfelt condolences to the affected families and called for calm as investigations into the incident continued.
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, an administrative officer, Olufemi Akinyele, confirmed to journalists that six children were brought in with five confirmed dead.
A parent of one of the deceased children, Iya Ayo, expressed deep regret for allowing her ward to attend the event.
As of Wednesday evening, the bodies of four deceased children at Patnas Hospital had not yet been claimed by their parents, Stonix News further gathered.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, stated that investigations into the incident were already ongoing.
Hospitals said to be offering medical attention to the injured kids include Patnas Specialist Hospital, Bashorun, Western Hospital, Bashorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
Concerned parents are advised to visit the hospitals for information about their children and wards with valid identification.
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