A tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of 35 children and hospitalized six more, according to police reports. The incident occurred due to overcrowding as attendees rushed to gain entry following promises of cash handouts (5,000 naira, approximately £2.50/$3 per child) and free food. Residents estimated that over 5,000 children gathered at the Islamic High School in Bashorun district, with the crush occurring upon the organizers’ arrival. The exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains undisclosed.
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Eight individuals involved in organizing the Christmas funfair, including main organizer Naomi Silekunola, a prominent figure in Ibadan, have been arrested. President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences to bereaved families and ordered a thorough investigation.
The Oyo state government reported that victims were transported to various hospitals in Ibadan. Medical staff at one hospital reported six admissions, with only two surviving; another doctor reported three fatalities. Affected parents shared that they arrived as early as 5:00 am, five hours before the event, hoping to secure the promised financial and food assistance.
The incident highlights the severe economic hardship facing Nigeria, contributing to the large turnout of over 10,000 people. Sadly, this tragedy is not isolated, with similar crowd surge incidents resulting in deaths reported in Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Lagos earlier this year, linked to distributions of food and goods.
Source: bbc
