The Oyo State Government has arrested the organisers of a children’s funfair where a stampede on Wednesday claimed several lives and left many injured at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the arrests in a statement shared on his X handle, adding that investigations are ongoing to uncover the cause of the tragedy.
“This is a very sad day for us in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly turned to mourning due to these deaths,” Makinde said.
The governor explained that security agents and medical personnel were deployed to the scene to restore order and provide care for victims. Ambulances were also sent to transport the injured to hospitals, while the event was immediately stopped, and attendees escorted out.
He reassured the public that anyone found responsible for the disaster would face justice.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident,” Makinde stated.
Makinde also extended condolences to the victims and their families, saying, “May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
The stampede occurred during a children’s carnival organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a radio station in Ibadan owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
The carnival was intended to host 5,000 children aged 0 to 13, promising scholarships and other prizes under Queen Naomi’s foundation, Women In Need Of Guidance and Support (WINGS). On Tuesday, Agidigbo FM had announced the event, assuring parents of adequate security.
Eyewitnesses said the stampede began as the crowd surged at the entrance of the venue, overwhelming the security arrangements.
This resulted in the death of several children died at the scene, while others succumbed to injuries at hospitals. Parents of affected children have since besieged hospitals in search of their wards.
