Tragedy struck on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a charity event organized by Olori Naomi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan. What was meant to be a heartwarming occasion aimed at feeding the less privileged turned into a nightmare when a devastating stampede broke out. Over 32 children tragically lost their lives, with many others left injured in the chaos. The event, which was supposed to bring joy and support to those in need, ended in heartbreak and sorrow.
The charity event, held at Islamic High School in Basorun, was initially organized to serve 5,000 children. However, reports indicate that over 7,500 people attended, overwhelming the venue. As eager attendees rushed to gain access, chaos ensued, leading to a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of more than 32 children and left many others injured.
Governor Seyi Makinde swiftly expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, offering assurances that immediate action was being taken to prevent further casualties.
“We have deployed security personnel to restore order, medical teams to treat the injured, and ambulances to the scene. The event has been halted, and attendees are being escorted out of the venue,” the governor’s statement read.
Makinde also pledged to hold accountable all individuals involved in the tragedy, whether directly or indirectly. “I want to reassure our people that this incident will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will face justice,” he added, urging calm as security agencies continue their inquiries.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for proper event planning, crowd control, and safety measures to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
