At least 30 children died in a stampede at the fair Islamic High School in Bashorun area of Ibadan. The event, intended to distribute ₦5,000 to 5,000 children, turned disastrous due to overcrowding.
Reports indicate that what began as a celebratory occasion quickly descended into chaos. The turnout far exceeded expectations, causing a catastrophic stampede. The exact circumstances leading up to the tragedy are being investigated, raising serious concerns about crowd control and safety procedures for the event.
The incident caused widespread grief and sparked calls for accountability. Local authorities and community leaders face increasing pressure to examine how this disaster happened and ensure it never happens again. Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the arrests in connection with the organization of the event.
BREAKING: Tragic incident: 30 children reported dead in stampede at Funfair in Ibadan.
The unfortunate incident that occurred at the Islamic Secondary School in Bashorun area was aimed at giving away 5000 naira to 5000 children. pic.twitter.com/cvsquLWhot
– Naija News (@NaijaNews) December 18, 2024
The tragedy has also sparked discussions about the socioeconomic factors that contribute to large attendance, highlighting the desperate poverty that can be fueled by the provision of financial support even at the most modest level.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims as they work to notify families and deal with the immediate aftermath. Meanwhile, there is a growing demand for stricter safety measures at public gatherings, especially those involving children. Many are calling for a comprehensive review of event planning and crowd management practices in Nigeria to prevent future tragedies.
