A tragic stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, has claimed the lives of multiple victims, with most reported to be children. The incident occurred at Bashorun Islamic High School during an end-of-year funfair that turned deadly when crowd control measures failed.
While the exact death toll remains unconfirmed, local sources and witnesses told Anadolu Agency that at least 20 people were killed, and many others sustained injuries. Reports suggest the stampede occurred when attendees rushed to collect food and gifts distributed by the organizers, leading to a chaotic scene exacerbated by insufficient security to manage the crowd.
Oyo State Commissioner for Orientation, Dotun Oyelisa, confirmed that victims are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals in Ibadan. He described the incident as a preventable tragedy, noting the lack of adequate planning and crowd control measures at the private event.
“Many of the victims have been rushed to hospitals across the state capital, and emergency teams are working to stabilize the injured,” Oyelisa told journalists on Wednesday. “It is a very unfortunate incident that highlights the importance of proper security and logistical preparation for public events.”
The funfair, organized by private individuals, was not officially sanctioned by the Oyo State government, Oyelisa clarified. Authorities have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stampede and the organizers’ role in the tragedy.
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences to the families affected and assured the public of swift action to hold those responsible accountable. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the governor announced immediate measures to restore order, including deploying security forces to the site and nearby hospitals.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody,” Makinde stated. “I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. We are taking steps to ensure no further loss of life occurs.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as attendees, including young children, struggled to escape the crush. One parent, who spoke anonymously, said the event became uncontrollable when food and gifts were announced. “People were pushing and shoving, trying to grab something. There were no security officials to manage the crowd. Before anyone realized it, children were on the ground, and people were trampling over them,” the parent recounted.
The incident has sparked outrage and grief across Oyo State and beyond, with calls for better event safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Civil society groups have criticized the lack of oversight and enforcement of safety protocols at public gatherings, particularly those involving children.
“This heartbreaking incident could have been avoided if adequate security and crowd control measures were in place,” said an Ibadan-based community leader. “We need stricter guidelines for events of this nature and accountability for those who fail to adhere to basic safety standards.”
Stampedes at public events remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria, where large crowds often gather for religious, cultural, and social activities. Poor planning, limited security presence, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the risks, particularly in densely populated urban centers. Analysts have urged authorities to enforce stricter licensing and safety checks for private events to safeguard lives.
The tragedy at Bashorun Islamic High School serves as a sobering reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and improved safety measures at public gatherings. In the wake of the incident, many families in Ibadan are mourning the loss of loved ones, while others wait anxiously for updates on the injured.
As investigations continue, Governor Makinde’s promise of accountability will be closely watched. For a grieving community, swift justice and comprehensive reforms will be essential to ensuring that such a disaster is never repeated.
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