The Oyo State Police Command has begun investigating the tragic deaths of 32 children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday. The incident, which has left the community in mourning, reportedly occurred at an event organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede began when an overwhelming number of participants attempted to gain access to the venue at Islamic High School, Bashorun. While the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, the turnout allegedly exceeded 7,500, leading to chaotic scenes and overcrowding.
An eyewitness, speaking in a video, noted that the situation escalated due to a lack of organization. “We were not even up to 5,000 participants, but because of poor management, this happened,” she said.
Some parents and children reportedly kept vigil outside the venue before the event, which added to the congestion and confusion. The overcrowding caused panic, and in the ensuing chaos, several children were trampled.
Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital; Ring Road State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital (UCH). However, many were declared dead on arrival. At Patnas Hospital, six children were admitted, five of whom did not survive.
One grieving parent, wailing outside a hospital, said, “I didn’t know yesterday would be the last time I would see my daughter alive. Please, wake her up!”
In a statement, the management of Agidigbo FM, owned by co-organizer Oriyomi Hamzat, distanced itself from the tragedy. Olayinka Abdulwahab, the station's Director of Programmes, said the radio station was only a media partner for the event. Abdulwahab noted that Agidigbo FM had issued public warnings early on Wednesday when it became clear the venue was overcrowded.
Efforts to reach Prophetess Naomi Shikemi for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone was unavailable, and she did not respond to messages.
The Oyo State Police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident and said an investigation is ongoing.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, expressed deep sorrow and revealed that victims had been admitted to various hospitals. He assured the public that the state government would provide support to affected families.
Meanwhile, residents and grieving parents have called on the government to intervene for the release of the children’s corpses from hospitals.
This tragedy has sparked widespread calls for better safety measures at public events to prevent future occurrences.
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