AT least 32 children have died in a stampede during a carnival in Ibadan, the capital of Nigeria’s Oyo state, on Wednesday. The devastating incident occurred at the Bashorun Islamic High School, where overcrowding and poor security led to chaos.
The event, organised by the non-governmental organisation Women in Need of Guidance and Support, promised food and gifts for 5,000 children. However, nearly 8,000 people turned up, creating an overwhelming crowd. Witnesses reported that the scene quickly turned chaotic as people pushed to get inside, causing many to fall and be trampled. One local, Omolewa Azeez, described seeing the intense pressure of the crowd, with children and parents fainting and falling due to the crush.
Police investigate organisers as toll rises
Oyo State Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact number of victims, which could change after a full briefing. Naomi Silekunola, the founder of the NGO, is currently under police interrogation. Authorities are focusing on whether proper safety measures and crowd control were in place for such a large turnout.
Event fails to control massive crowd
The event was intended as a charitable gathering, offering food and gifts to children in need. However, the organisers’ failure to anticipate the crowd size or provide sufficient security led to a tragic outcome. Many children, along with their families, had gathered as early as 5 a.m., eager for the promised provisions.
The stampede has sparked outrage across the nation, with questions raised about the safety measures at large events in Nigeria, particularly those targeting vulnerable children.
