Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, as a stampede occurred during a children’s Christmas party, resulting in the deaths of several children.
The party was organized by Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, led by Oriyomi Hamzat, in collaboration with Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.
Eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.
The exact number of fatalities and injuries is still unknown, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
“Queen Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, had planned to surprise 5,000 children with gifts and scholarships at an Islamic school. The event was publicly announced by Agidigbo FM radio for days. However, tragedy struck, resulting in the deaths of at least seven children.
“She wanted to surprise 5000 children’s with gifts and scholarship at Islamic school and Agidigbo FM radio is involved as well.
“About seven children have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Bashorun. The scene this morning was absolutely devastating,” a source said.
In the run-up to the ill-fated event, the radio station had been enthusiastically advertising the “2024 Children Fun Fair,” generating widespread excitement among local children and their families.
A Facebook post shared on Tuesday by the station read: “Founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, Her Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi in the Kunle Hamzat studio, ahead of her 2024 Children Fun Fair.
“Speaking during a special programme on Agidigbo FM, Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunswusi is set to host 5000 kids between the age of 0-13 years across Ibadan for free under the aegis of (WINGS) foundation.
“Olori Naomi Ogunwusi revealed that the event, scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, is strictly for children and they will win exciting prices like scholarships and other bountiful gifts.
“Olori Ogunwusi also assured parents and guardians of adequate security for all participants of the event.”
According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the festive event took a devastating turn when a massive crowd of children and parents rushed forward to collect gifts and food, resulting in a tragic stampede.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many people trampled in the rush. Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed, and the full extent of the tragedy is still emerging.
An X user Adebanjo claimed that the stampede was caused by overcrowding at the location of the event.
He wrote: “It was announced severally on the radio that they should stop coming. People were still hell bent on going there.”
Another netizen, Kemi claimed that some lifeless bodies who were victims of the stampede were rushed to University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital.
Efforts to obtain a statement from Agidigbo FM management were unsuccessful, as they remained unreachable at press time.
Repeated calls to Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, went unanswered
The Oyo Police Command also declined calls made to seek their comments.