A devastating stampede unfolded at a religious festival in Ibadan, Nigeria, claiming the lives of several attendees and injuring many more. The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The event, organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, attracted an estimated 5,000 young people and children, drawn by the promise of “exciting prizes” such as scholarships and gifts. The sheer number of attendees overwhelmed the venue’s capacity, creating a chaotic scene that ultimately led to the fatal stampede.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the tragedy in a statement released on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing his deep sorrow over the “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” He confirmed the deployment of security forces to control the situation, evacuate the remaining attendees, and provide assistance to the victims. Disturbing video footage circulating online depicted a chaotic scene with injured individuals being carried away from the venue, highlighting the severity of the incident. Governor Makinde extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, whose joy had been tragically transformed into mourning.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Makinde announced the arrest of the primary organizers of the event, pending a thorough investigation. He vowed to hold accountable anyone found to be directly or indirectly responsible for the disaster, emphasizing the need for answers and justice for the victims and their families. The swift action taken by the authorities underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, identified as the organizers of the ill-fated festival, had held a similar event the previous year. According to local media reports, the foundation anticipated a similar turnout of approximately 5,000 attendees for this year’s event. The promise of enticing prizes, including scholarships and gifts, likely contributed to the large number of young people and children present at the venue. The combination of a large crowd, the allure of prizes, and potentially inadequate crowd control measures created a dangerous environment that ultimately resulted in the tragic stampede.
The national emergency services of Nigeria were quick to respond to the disaster, deploying a team to provide aid and assistance to the victims. The immediate response reflects the nation’s commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy and mitigating the impact of the disaster. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adequate safety measures and crowd control protocols at large public gatherings, particularly those involving children and young people.
The tragic stampede in Ibadan underscores the critical need for event organizers to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees. Factors such as venue capacity, crowd management strategies, and emergency preparedness play a crucial role in preventing such disasters. A thorough investigation into the incident is essential to identify the specific factors that contributed to the stampede and to implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident stands as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when safety precautions are overlooked or insufficient. The government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable is a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
