A fun-filled day turned into a nightmare in Ibadan as a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the tragic loss of young lives. The event, organized by WINGS, ended in chaos with numerous injuries and fatalities, predominantly among children.
Key Takeaways:
- Tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.
- Multiple fatalities, mostly children, and numerous injuries reported.
- Event organized by WINGS, held at Islamic High School, Bashorun.
- Overcrowding and a rush at the entrance led to the deadly incident.
- Oyo State government has mobilized response teams.
What Happened at the Funfair?
The funfair, organized by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative of Queen Naomi Silekunola, was held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. The event was highly anticipated, drawing large crowds, many of whom arrived as early as 6 am. Some even reportedly slept at the venue overnight, eager to get in.
The Deadly Rush
As the gates opened, a chaotic rush ensued. The overwhelming crowd of children and parents trying to enter the venue resulted in a violent stampede. Underage children were trampled by the surging crowd, leading to severe injuries and, tragically, many fatalities. Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the chaos, with clothes and shoes scattered across the scene.
Government Response
The Oyo State government swiftly responded to the tragedy, mobilizing a rapid response team. Victims were quickly transported to various hospitals across Ibadan. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized that the state government was not involved in the planning of the event and stressed the need for proper coordination for events of this magnitude, especially those involving children.
The Commissioner also mentioned that the government is awaiting a detailed report from the police to determine the exact number of casualties.
Hospitals Treating Victims
Parents seeking information about their children were advised to check several hospitals in the area, including:
- Patnas Hospital, Basorun
- Western Hospital, Basorun
- Ringroad State Hospital
- Molly Specialist Hospital
- University College Hospital (UCH)
- Adeoyo State Hospital
- Total Family Hospital at Basorun
A Call for Better Event Management
This tragedy highlights the critical importance of proper event planning, especially when children are involved. Organizers must ensure that there are adequate safety measures to prevent such incidents. This includes proper crowd control, sufficient entry points, and enough security personnel.
The event, while intended to bring joy to children, serves as a grim reminder of the need for safety first, and a call for better coordination, planning, and oversight in the future. It serves as a somber lesson on what can happen when large gatherings are not properly managed.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
