A stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan has left at least 32 people dead, mostly children. The overcrowded venue led to chaos as attendees rushed to the entrance. Medical teams were deployed, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and accountability of the tragedy.
A tragic incident occurred at a children’s end-of-the-year funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, where at least 32 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede. The event, organized by the Women in Need of Guidance and Support, aimed to distribute N5,000 to 5,000 children and provide free food. However, the crowd, which exceeded 7,500, caused chaos when the gate, initially kept closed, was opened.
The stampede occurred around 6:00 am when attendees, many of whom had arrived earlier, tried to force their way into the venue. Eyewitnesses reported that the overcrowding caused many to faint, while others were trampled. The victims were rushed to several hospitals, where some were confirmed dead on arrival. At Patnas Specialist Hospital, it was confirmed that four children had died, and others were receiving treatment.
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences and assured that investigations would be conducted. He also deployed security personnel and medical teams to the site and nearby hospitals. While the exact death toll is still being confirmed, sources suggest that the figure is likely to be around 30.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety and coordination of such events, especially those involving children. Authorities have vowed to hold the organizers accountable and are urging parents to check with hospitals for their missing children.
