Tragedy struck in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a stampede at a children’s Christmas party held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The event, organized by Agidigbo 88.7 FM Ibadan and Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, aimed to surprise 5,000 children with gifts and scholarships but turned devastating when a crowd surge occurred during the distribution of items.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with children trampled in the rush. Emergency responders were overwhelmed, and the number of casualties remains uncertain. Some sources claimed over 30 fatalities, while medical officials confirmed four deaths at press time.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement, confirmed the arrest of the event organizers and pledged that those responsible would be held accountable. “The state government has taken steps to halt further casualties, deploying security personnel to restore order and medical teams to treat the injured,” the governor stated.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, expressed the government’s sadness over the tragedy and noted that the victims were promptly transported to medical facilities, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for treatment. He emphasized that the state government was not involved in planning the event and urged stricter coordination for large gatherings involving children.
Parents searching for their children have been directed to hospitals where the injured were taken: Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and UCH.
The government has launched an investigation into the incident and is awaiting a detailed report from the police to clarify the total number of victims. Meanwhile, Oyo State extended its sympathies to the affected families and assured support for the victims.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss, the state calls for calm and cooperation as authorities work to uncover the full details and prevent such incidents in the future.
