Numerous individuals, predominantly children, tragically lost their lives, while many others suffered injuries of varying severity during a children’s funfair held on Wednesday at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.
The event, organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and promoted by the Ibadan-based radio station Agidigbo FM, aimed to benefit 5,000 children with promises of ₦5,000 cash gifts and free meals.
However, the situation descended into chaos as over 15,000 people arrived at the venue before dawn, far exceeding the planned capacity. The tragedy occurred when desperate parents, attempting to gain entry for their children, caused a stampede at the entrance.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation became uncontrollable around 6 a.m., when organisers announced that the 5,000-attendee limit had been reached. In frustration, the crowd surged forward, triggering a fatal stampede that left many children dead at the scene and numerous others injured.
Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Patnas Specialist Hospital, Best Western Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, Ring Road State Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH), all in Ibadan.
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, four children were confirmed dead on arrival, while one survivor remained in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.
The chaotic scene also disrupted traffic along the Basorun area, with thousands of attendees, mainly women and children, seen walking long distances. One distraught mother was seen wailing after losing her seven-year-old son in the tragedy.
When reporters visited the venue, personal belongings such as shoes, slippers, bags, and clothing were scattered across the area, evidence of the panic and disorder. Police officers and patrol vans were stationed at various points, while the venue remained in disarray, with decorations strewn across the ground.
Despite the cancellation of the event, small groups of women and children lingered near the school premises, unwilling to speak to reporters due to fears of arrest.
Victims’ Accounts and Hospital Scenes
Mrs Oluwafemi Akinyele, the Admin Officer at Patnas Specialist Hospital, confirmed the fatalities and expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy.
She said:
“If I’m not mistaken, they were brought in shortly after 8 a.m. Four children were dead on arrival—four females and one male. Another male survivor is still in the ward. He’s eating now and is expected to be discharged soon. Parents also took away some of the deceased children.”
At Best Western Hospital, it was reported that some children had succumbed to their injuries before arrival, while others were receiving treatment. At Molly Specialist Hospital, however, no victims were admitted, as the hospital’s children’s ward was reportedly full at the time.
A parent, Olalekan Salam, shared his ordeal, explaining that he had been referred to multiple hospitals, including the University College Hospital and Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, in search of his wife and six-year-old son, who had attended the funfair.
Government Reaction
Governor Seyi Makinde described the incident as a tragic day for Oyo State.
He stated:
“Earlier today, an incident occurred at Islamic High School, Basorun, the venue of a family-oriented event. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple fatalities and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has been turned into mourning. We have deployed security agents to restore order and medical personnel to provide assistance.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers have been taken into custody, and we assure the public that anyone found culpable will be held accountable.”
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal also visited the scene and nearby hospitals to meet some of the victims. He emphasised that the state government was not involved in the planning of the event and assured the public that appropriate actions would be taken against those responsible.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that a rapid response team had been mobilised and that victims had been transported to hospitals across Ibadan. He also highlighted the importance of proper coordination and crowd management at large-scale events.
The Oyo State Police Command, through its spokesman Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that investigations were ongoing, with updates to follow.
This devastating incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for improved safety measures at public events to prevent such tragedies in the future.
