A sad event occurred at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, where over 35 people have been confirmed dead. The program, held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, was organized by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative of Queen Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
Eyewitnesses said people started arriving as early as 6 a.m., and some even spent the night at the venue to secure a spot. The situation turned bad when a large crowd of children and parents tried to enter the school gate at the same time. This confused, and many children fell, with others stepping on them in the rush to get inside.
Clothes and shoes belonging to the children were left scattered around the venue. Security officers later closed the gate and asked those still at the scene to leave.
Following the incident, The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the incident happened during the private funfair and led to the deaths of several children, while others were injured.
The government quickly sent a response team to help the victims. They were taken to different hospitals in Ibadan, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, University College Hospital (UCH), Adeoyo State Hospital, and Total Family Hospital in Basorun, for medical care.
The Commissioner praised the quick efforts of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, and other emergency responders. He assured the public that the government would support the victims and their families.
Prince Oyelade explained that the government was not involved in planning the event and had not been asked to provide any assistance. He called for better planning and crowd control for events involving children to avoid such incidents in the future.
The government is waiting for a detailed report from the Oyo State Police Command to confirm the number of people who were affected.
Parents looking for their children are advised to visit the hospitals where victims were taken and bring proper identification to help in the process.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the need for careful planning and safety measures at large gatherings to protect lives.
Agidigbo FM chairman has been hospitalized
The chairman of Agidigbo FM, an Ibadan-based radio station that promoted the children’s funfair which turned tragic, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been admitted to an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
According to reports making the rounds on Thursday, December 19, Hamzat has been unconscious since Wednesday, December 18, and is currently receiving medical attention at a local facility.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, attributed his condition to the shock from the tragic incident at the funfair, which resulted in the deaths of over 35 people, mostly children, and left many others injured.
Speaking further, the source explained that Hamzat’s inability to cope with the shock of the tragedy led to his current unconscious state.
“The chairman of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, is currently unconscious and in an undisclosed hospital. Due to the tragic event that happened yesterday (Wednesday), he could not handle the shock and passed out,” the source said.
The Guardian and The Nation confirmed the development in their publication on Thursday, December 19.
