At least 35 children have tragically died during a stampede at a carnival aimed at families held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on December 18, 2024, has left the nation mourning and raised significant concerns about crowd control and safety measures during public gatherings.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the fatalities, stating the death toll could potentially rise as investigations continue. Reports indicate six others were critically injured, underscoring the devastating impact of the stampede. The event, organized by the Wings Foundation and promoted by Agidigbo FM, sought to offer children gifts and food, with expectant attendance figures reaching 5,000. Alas, nearly 8,000 people arrived early, leading to overwhelming pressure at the venue’s entrance as families attempted to gain entry.
Witness accounts detail chaotic scenes as parents and children surged forward, lured by promises of free prizes, including scholarships and gift items worth 5,000 Naira (about $3.20). One attendee, Omolewa Azeez, described the frantic atmosphere, saying, “Many people fell and were trampled, with others fainting due to the intense pressure of the crowd.” The lack of adequate security personnel present contributed to the tragedy, as many began pushing to enter before organizers could effectively manage the crowd.
Subsequent to the stampede, police apprehended eight individuals connected to the event, including Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, the principal organizer, and the school’s headteacher. Adewale Osifeso, the police spokesperson, announced, “A homicide investigation has been opened,” and the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.” He confirmed the deployment of security forces and medical teams to the scene, emphasizing the urgent need to restore order and care for the wounded.
The event’s aftermath reverberated beyond Ibadan, with President Bola Tinubu also expressing “profound sadness” over the loss of so many young lives during what was meant to be a joyful occasion. The scale of the tragedy has ignited discussions across the country about the increase of crowd crush incidents amid Nigeria’s current economic crisis, where inflation and poverty are rampant.
Analysts point to the troubling pattern of similar fatalities at large gatherings, highlighting the dangers inherent when desperation and scarce resources converge at public events. Adeyeye Olorunfemi, spokesperson for the opposition African Action Congress, noted, “The level of deprivation, hardship, poverty is just so much. It appears as if the organizers of the event underestimated it.”
This tragic event is not isolated; Nigeria has experienced several deadly stampedes recently. A glaring example occurred earlier this year when students were crushed amid frantic attempts to collect food handouts from local authorities. The recurring nature of these tragedies raises questions about event management practices and safety standards.
Local media captured the heartbreaking aftermath, with visuals depicting frantic parents searching for their children amid the chaos. One mother lamented, “I shouldn’t have come. My child is dead,” echoing the despair felt by many as they confront the unbearable loss.
Safety concerns have been highlighted as the community processes the aftermath of the tragedy. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, conveyed his condolences through his palace, stressing the need for improved security and planning for such events to prevent future tragedies: “We must follow safety standards and child welfare policies for educational institutions,” he urged.
Governor Makinde assured the public of thorough investigations, emphasizing, “We have taken steps to prevent future incidents at this and similar venues.” Meanwhile, victims of the stampede have been distributed among various hospitals across Ibadan, where medical personnel are working tirelessly to care for the injured. Parents were advised to visit hospitals with identification documents to seek their loved ones.
With the community gripped by grief and despair, calls for accountability and reform remain imperative as families attempt to navigate this tragic loss. The stampede serves as painful evidence of the pressing need for enhanced safety measures at public events, particularly those intended for vulnerable populations like children.
