By Abigail Philip David
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which reportedly left 32 children dead on Wednesday.
The event, held at Islamic High School, Basorun, was allegedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster. Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede occurred as participants rushed to gain entry into the overcrowded venue.
Overcrowding and Chaos
The organisers reportedly planned for 5,000 participants, but over 7,500 people turned up, causing chaos at the venue’s gate. An eyewitness recounted that the situation became unmanageable due to poor organization, resulting in the stampede that led to casualties.
One participant said, “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants, but because we were not organized, the situation got out of control.”
Another attendee lamented the loss of his child, adding, “Rather than manage the crowd properly, they wanted to fight us. We just lost one child who has been taken to the University College Hospital.”
Victims and Hospital Reports
Some victims were rushed to various hospitals in Ibadan, including Patnas Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
At Patnas Hospital, an official, Olufeyemi Tolulope, confirmed that six children were brought in, five of whom were declared dead, while one was treated and discharged. At UCH, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmi Adetuyibi, reported that five victims were brought in dead.
Distraught parents gathered at hospitals, with one grieving parent pleading, “Doctor, please wake my daughter up. I did not bargain for this.”
Reaction from Agidigbo FM
Agidigbo FM, owned by broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, issued a statement distancing itself from the event’s organization. According to the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, Agidigbo FM was only a media partner for the event and had no role in its planning or execution.
“Upon receiving notice that a large crowd had gathered before 5am, we used all media strategies to discourage more people from going to the venue,” Abdulwahab stated, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
### Police Investigation and Government Response
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed that victims were treated at several hospitals, but access to some facilities was restricted to reporters.
Attempts to reach Prophetess Naomi Shikemi for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone was unreachable, and a text message sent to her remained unanswered.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning, with calls for accountability and stricter crowd management measures at public events.
