Ibadan Stampede: What We Know So Far (video)

On December 18, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan, Nigeria, where a stampede at a children’s Christmas funfair resulted in the deaths of 35 minors and left six others critically injured.

Background of the Event

The funfair was organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, led by Olori Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM. The event, held at Islamic High School in the Bashorun district, aimed to provide entertainment and support to children aged 0-13. Promotions highlighted distributions of 5,000 naira (~US$3.20) to 5,000 children, free food, and prizes, including scholarships. Given Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, the promise of financial assistance attracted a large crowd.

Details of the Stampede

Attendees began arriving as early as 5:00 AM, five hours before the scheduled start time. Reports indicate that over 5,000 children assembled at the venue. The fatal crush occurred when the event organizers arrived to commence proceedings, though the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

Immediate Response

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde reported that security agents were deployed to the site to restore order following the stampede. Medical facilities across Ibadan received multiple victims of the crush. At one hospital, medical staff reported six admissions with only two survivors. Another facility confirmed three fatalities.

Aftermath and Investigations

In the wake of the tragedy, police arrested eight individuals connected to the event, including the primary organizer, Olori Naomi Silekunola, and the school principal. The case was transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences to the affected families and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the incident.

Community Reactions

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, extended his condolences to the bereaved families and supported his former wife, Olori Naomi Silekunola. He acknowledged her history of organizing similar charitable events and emphasized the need for improved safety measures in future initiatives.

The Ibadan stampede serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of adequate planning and safety measures in organizing large public events, especially those involving children. As investigations continue, there is a collective call for accountability and the implementation of stringent protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.