President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred during an end-of-year banquet in Ibadan.
The event, organized by former Ooni of Ile-Ife, Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, aimed to provide meals and cash gifts to around 5,000 children. However, overcrowding and high humidity at the venue, Islamic High School in Bashorun, reportedly led to chaos, resulting in the unfortunate incident.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed the need to uncover whether negligence or avoidable lapses contributed to the tragedy. He also emphasized that the findings of the investigation must be transparent and credible.
The President called on the Oyo State government to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes revising safety protocols for public events and ensuring strict adherence to security and crowd management guidelines.
In his message, the President expressed his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, particularly the families of those affected. He reiterated that safeguarding the well-being of children must always remain a top priority, and no celebration should compromise their safety.
Recall that Drivetvnews reports that, at least 35 children lost their lives in the stampede, with many others injured. The banquet, originally scheduled for December 18, 2024, was postponed following the tragic events.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the situation spiraled out of control shortly after the event began. This was the first banquet of its kind hosted by Naomi Silekunola under her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS).
A grieving parent shared how her two children were caught in the chaos after she brought them to the event, having heard a radio announcement about free cash gifts. One child is still receiving treatment at a hospital, while the other has been discharged.
Another attendee, who came with her three children, recounted the harrowing experience of watching people scramble for gifts, leading to injuries. She spoke about the incident during Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal’s visit to one of the hospitals treating the victims. Tragically, two of her children were trampled in the chaos, with the fate of one still uncertain.
This tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety measures and better organization at public events, especially those involving children.
