A tragic stampede at a carnival in Ibadan has reportedly claimed the lives of several children.
The incident occurred during a private children’s funfair at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Though the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed, a source revealed that nearly 20 children had died in the chaos.
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The event, believed to have been organized by a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, initially proceeded without incident. However, as gifts were being distributed, the situation escalated. A viral video on X showed a child being carried away from the crowd, which surged as the children scrambled to get their gifts.
Vanguard learned that the venue, designed to hold around 500 children, had more than 3,000 attendees. The overcrowding led to a stampede as children who fell struggled to get up.
In response to the disaster, the Oyo State Government expressed profound grief over the loss of life. Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, confirmed the tragic incident and explained that a rapid response team had been mobilized. “The state government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident. Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention,” Oyelade said.
Parents seeking their children were advised to check several hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and University College Hospital, where the injured children were taken for treatment.
While some children have been confirmed dead upon arrival at these hospitals, others remain under critical care. One witness at the University College Hospital said, “They just brought four children into UCH. I don’t know if they are dead. I just saw another one die now. May the Almighty rest the poor dead souls.”
The state government clarified that it was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event. It emphasized the importance of proper safety measures and coordination for events, especially those involving children and vulnerable groups.
