On December 18, 2024, a tragic stampede occurred at a children’s funfair held at Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries among the young attendees.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, “This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
Governor Makinde confirmed that the primary organizers of the event have been arrested and that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the disaster. He assured the public that “anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.”
The funfair, organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, aimed to host up to 5,000 children, offering prizes such as scholarships. However, the event turned tragic due to an inability to manage the large crowd, leading to the fatal stampede.
Emergency services responded promptly, transporting injured children to local hospitals. Parents have been advised to check these medical facilities for their wards. The Oyo State Government has deployed a response team to provide assistance and is committed to preventing such occurrences in the future.
Governor Makinde urged the public to remain calm as security agencies conduct their investigations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.
