Tragic Stampede at Funfair in Ibadan Claims Lives, Many Injured as Oyo Government Responds
By Abdulmajeed Abdullateef
The Oyo State Government is deeply saddened by the devastating stampede that occurred at a private children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the tragic loss of young lives and left many others injured. The incident took place at Basorun Islamic High School on Wednesday morning, where children had gathered for a fun-filled event, but it quickly turned into a nightmare.
In a statement, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, expressed the government’s sorrow and confirmed that a rapid response team was immediately deployed to the scene. Victims were rushed to several hospitals around Ibadan for urgent medical treatment. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, was lauded for mobilizing medical teams to manage the crisis and provide the necessary care. The state government promised to support the victims and their families in this incredibly painful time.
Prince Oyelade also made it clear that the state government had no role in organizing or managing the event. He stressed the importance of careful planning and safety measures, especially for events that involve children and vulnerable groups. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and assured the public that investigations would be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.
The stampede occurred during a food fair organized by Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, which was intended to offer gifts and fun to 5,000 attendees in celebration of the holiday season. However, the crowd quickly grew larger than expected, leading to confusion and panic at the entrance, which caused the tragic stampede.
At Patnas Specialist Hospital, Olufemi Akinyele, an administrative officer, confirmed that six children were brought in for treatment. Sadly, five had passed away before they could be treated, while one child was fortunate enough to survive.
One of the grieving parents, Iya Ayo, shared her regret over allowing her child to attend the event, a painful reflection of the heartbreak that so many families are now facing.
As of now, four children who died in the stampede remain unclaimed at Patnas Specialist Hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, assured the public that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident.
Parents who are concerned about their children are urged to visit the following hospitals in Ibadan and provide valid identification to inquire about their children:
Patnas Specialist Hospital, Basorun
Western Hospital, Basorun
Ringroad State Hospital
Molly Specialist Hospital
University College Hospital (UCH)
The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to the safety of its residents and urged event organizers to prioritize crowd control and safety measures in future events, ensuring that such a tragic incident never happens again.
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