Renewed Hardship: At Least 32 Children Killed in Stampede at Ibadan Carnival Over Cash, Food Giveaway

At least 32 children have died and many others injured in a stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday. The event was meant to distribute free food and N5,000 cash to 5,000 participants but ended in chaos due to overcrowding and poor planning.

The carnival took place at the Islamic High School, Basorun, and was organised by the Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) Foundation. The foundation is said to be linked to Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife. Witnesses said the crowd gathered as early as 6 a.m., but the gates remained locked. Over 7,500 people turned up, far exceeding the expected number. When the gates were eventually opened, the rush to gain entry led to a stampede. Many children fell and were trampled.

A mother, Mrs Omolewa Azeez, said her seven-year-old son, Mubarak, was injured in the crush. Another parent, mourning her daughter, cried, “I did not know yesterday would be our last day together.”

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, initially confirmed 32 deaths. However, he later said the exact figure would be determined after a briefing from the police. He blamed the organisers for poor planning, stating that most of the victims were children.

Agidigbo FM, a media partner for the event, denied being involved in its organisation. In a statement, the station said it had issued warnings about the overcrowding after learning of the situation.

Injured attendees were taken to various hospitals, including Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, and the University College Hospital (UCH). According to The Nation, at Patnas Hospital, an official said six children were brought in. Five had already died, while one was treated and discharged. At UCH, five victims were confirmed dead on arrival. Roads around the venue, including Basorun-Idi Ape Road, were blocked by the massive crowd. Some parents have called on the government to help release the bodies of their children from hospitals.

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations into the incident had begun. Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso promised updates as more information becomes available.

However, the tragic stampede reveals the severity of hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, as thousands of families attended the event in search of free food and cash. The large turnout, which exceeded the organisers’ expectations, reflects the widespread poverty and the challenges many Nigerians face in meeting their basic needs.

Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, rightly lamented:

Children died struggling for food. 32 Children died struggling for food in a stampede. Children died struggling for food. Children died while struggling for food. This is happening in 2024. A leadership disaster

Another social media user identified as Dotuche states: “If 32 children dying in a stampede because they want to get food doesn’t wake Nigeria up, nothing will.”

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