A stampede at a children’s Christmas party at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, has left many dead and several others wounded.
The party was organised on Wednesday by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
In videos of the tragic incident shared on social media, eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.
The exact number of fatalities and injuries are still unknown.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde said on his X page that the stampede led to “multiple loss of lives and injuries”
While sympathising with the victims, Makinde said his government was taking steps to ensure no further deaths were recorded at the venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue.
He added that the event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue.
“We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured. While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody,” the Governor said.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” he said.