The tragedy that struck the town of Ibadan yesterday was unquantifiable. There was mass grieve and loss all around as Oyo State lose 32 of its finest.
Yesterday probably was a day of joy to lots of people. Some mother had smiles on their faces as they anticipate what the day had in stuck for them. Parents woke their children up asked them to get ready in preparation but little did they know. Little did they know that darkness lured in the brightness they felt the day had.
It was finally the day, the day they prepared for. It was finally the Funfair happening in Ibadan. Out of trust or some may call the need to survive parents took their children to this fanfare with the hope of a wonderful time.
The event took place at Bashorun Islamic High Schhol. It was planned for 5000 children but more than 7500 children were in attendance. That translates to overcrowding and disorganisation. The event prepared to cause smiles and laughter to the face of people quickly turned to day a mourning.
Oooni of Ife’s ex wife Queen Naomi was a primary sponsor at this event. It was supposed to be in the Spirit of the festive season, christmas. It was however a shock to record that 32 children died at that same event.
What was the root cause of the death, I hear you ask?
Well I can’t say for sure what it is but let’s hear the Police. Police spoke up that investigations are still ungoing. It was also revealed that the Principal of Islamic High School, Fasasi Abdulahi, and six other individuals played a role in sponsoring the event.
It was rumored that Agidingbo Fm, an Ibadan radio station is a sponsor. The Radio station was quick to clear the air declining their involvement as sponsors.
As the whole of Ibadan is thrown into a state of mourning. I feel alot of sympathy for the parents and relatives of this children. A mother had this to say as she grieved the loss of her daughter.
I never thought this would happen. We were together yesterday, not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter cannot be dead. Doctor, please wake her up.”
The children were rushed to nearby hospitals like Molly Hospital, Idi-Ape, and Western Hospital, Basorun, University college hodpital. It was unfortunate that some were dead on arrival and other receiving treatment. However restrictions have been placed at the hospital.
Tolulope explained, “We were told that the children fainted at the event. We successfully rescued two, but unfortunately, four did not survive.”
” We are committed to uncovering the causes of this unfortunate incident and holding all responsible parties accountable.
“Our preliminary findings indicate negligence in managing the large crowd that attended the event,” Osifeso noted
The governor of Oyo Stat gave an official statement about the whole situation
“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State,” Makinde wrote on X.
“We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths. We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.”
The police has arrested Queen Noami and all other sponsors. Many blame the incident on the poverty level of the country and others talk about overcrowding and lack of supervision.
