A stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan has left 35 children dead and six others injured, prompting the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation. The tragic event reportedly stemmed from overcrowding at the venue, where over 7,500 children arrived for an event initially planned for 5,000 participants.
The funfair was co-organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster. Following her arrest, Naomi reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for treatment. Oriyomi Hamzat, Chairman of Agidigbo FM and co-organizer, was also hospitalized.
A senior staff member at the hospital confirmed their admission, noting heightened security around the facility. Meanwhile, eight individuals have been detained in connection with the incident, and Agidigbo FM House, a key venue, has been shut down.
Medical officials have provided updates on the victims. At Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, four children are receiving treatment, while five deaths have been confirmed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The hospital clarified that no bodies were taken to its mortuary.
Government and Public Reactions
The Oyo State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, mandated stricter safety measures for public events and warned of severe penalties for negligence. Governor Seyi Makinde described the incident as painful and preventable, announcing the cancellation of his December 25 birthday celebrations in honor of the victims.
The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi expressed their condolences. PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, blamed the tragedy on economic hardship, which drove families to seek free entertainment. He commended the state government’s swift response. Fayemi, in a statement, called the tragedy heartbreaking and prayed for the affected families.
