The management of Agidigbo FM responded to the tragic stampede at the 2024 Children’s Fun Fair in Ibadan. The radio station, which promoted the event, clarified it wasn’t the organizer. Agidigbo FM had warned the public about overcrowding, but the crowd grew, resulting in fatalities.
The management of Agidigbo FM, a radio station based in Ibadan, has responded to the tragic stampede at the 2024 Children’s Fun Fair, which resulted in multiple fatalities. The event, held at Islamic High School in Bashorun on December 18, was promoted by the station, but Agidigbo FM was not the organizer. The WINGS Foundation, a non-governmental organization supporting women and girls, was responsible for planning the event, which was initially intended for 5,000 attendees.
Following reports of a large crowd gathering early in the morning, Agidigbo FM acted swiftly to warn the public. The station used multiple media outlets, including jingles and public service announcements, urging people to stop coming to the venue. Despite these efforts, the crowd continued to swell, leading to the tragic stampede.
In a statement, Olayinka Abdulwahab, Agidigbo FM’s Director of Programs, expressed shock over the incident and conveyed condolences to the affected families. He clarified that the station’s role was limited to promoting the event, not organizing it. The radio station also emphasized that the organizers took measures to ensure safety, including deploying security and medical personnel. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that the event organizers have been taken into custody for questioning.
