- Makinde grieves, says organisers of children funfair arrested
An uncertain number of children have died in a stampede that occurred during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Wednesday.
Media reports suggest that over 30 children lost their lives with many injured during the incident.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement on Wednesday, said the stampede occurred at the private children’s funfair, held at Basorun Islamic High School.
Oyelade said the government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.
The commissioner noted that victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to provide assistance at the scene of the incident, Oyelade said, “The state government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.
“The government was not involved in any of the planning, nor was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.”
Oyelade, however, emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.
The commissioner indicated that they were currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.
“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
“Patnas Hospital, Basorun: Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital and the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” the statement added.
He, therefore, extended the government’s sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, urging the public to remain calm as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.
Meanwhile, investigation revealed that the stampede occurred as attendees, primarily children, attempted to break through the main gate of the school.
It was reported that the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up, exacerbating the situation.
Multiple sources indicated that some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue in anticipation of the event.
An administrative officer at Patnas Hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, said that six children were brought to the hospital around 8am.
Tolulope added that four of them were confirmed dead while two were receiving treatment.
He said, “The affected children were brought in some minutes after 8am. Six children were brought into the hospital out of which four died while the other two are recuperating.
“We were told that the deceased fainted at the venue of the event. We were able to rescue two while the remaining four died.
“One of the surviving children has been discharged and released to her parents while the other one is recuperating. He is stable. I just fed him. He will soon be discharged.”
A parent of one of the deceased children, visibly distraught at the hospital, lamented, “I did not imagine this would happen. We were together yesterday, not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter cannot be dead. Doctor, please wake her up.”
Other parents, who preferred to remain anonymous, called on the government to ensure the swift release of their children’s bodies from the hospitals.
At Molly Hospital, Idi-Ape, and Western Hospital, Basorun, journalists were denied access by security guards who insisted that no victims were admitted.
However, several parents were seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan, mourning the loss of their children.
Organisers of Oyo children funfair arrested, says Makinde
Meanwhile, organisers of a children’s funfair where many were feared dead following a stampede on Wednesday, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, have been arrested.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the organisers were in custody as investigations continue to determine the cause of the stampede.
He made this known in a statement he shared on his official X handle on Wednesday.
Makinde said measures have been taken to prevent further death while sympathizing with the victims and their families.
The governor wrote, “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple losses of lives and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.”
He also assured the public that those responsible would face appropriate consequences.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” he added.
Though the state government did not reveal the identities of the organisers, findings by THE POINT revealed that the funfair was organised by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
On Tuesday, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan on its Facebook handle announced that Ogunwusi, who is the founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, was at the station ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair which was to be held on Wednesday.
The post reads, “Founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, Her Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi in the Kunle Hamzat studio, ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair.
“Speaking during a special programme on Agidigbo FM, Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunswusi is set to host 5,000 kids between the ages of 0-13 years across Ibadan for free under the aegis of (WINGS) foundation.
“Olori Naomi Ogunwusi revealed that the event, scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, is strictly for children and they will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts.
“Olori Ogunwusi also assured parents and guardians of adequate security for all participants of the event.”
Oyo radio station clarifies role in funfair tragedy, consoles bereaved families
Also, the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, has expressed grief over the tragic incident that occurred during a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Agidigbo FM also clarified that the station did not organise the event but only served as a media partner for its promotion.
This clarification was issued in a press release signed by the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka AbdulWahab, on Wednesday.
The statement read, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organisers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
“This is a very sad day for us all; however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM for more information.
“This is not the time to spread misinformation. The management of Agidigbo FM implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives.
“Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience any tragic experience.”
