JUST IN: Tragic Stampede at Children’s Christmas Party Leaves Scores Feared Dead

A joyous children’s Christmas party turns tragic as a stampede claims multiple lives, leaving families in shock and mourning.

A tragic event unfolded on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. During a children’s Christmas party, a stampede tragically led to the loss of several young lives.

The event, hosted by Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan and Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, descended into chaos and became a disaster.

Eyewitnesses stated that numerous children were trampled during the stampede, and others sustained injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at University College Hospital in Ibadan.

The precise number of casualties and injuries has not yet been determined, but the incident has deeply shocked and saddened the community.

Queen Naomi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, intended to surprise 5,000 children with gifts and scholarships at an Islamic school. Agidigbo FM radio had been announcing the event publicly for several days. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred that led to the loss of at least seven children’s lives.

She aimed to surprise 5,000 children at an Islamic school with gifts and scholarships, with the involvement of Agidigbo FM radio.

“Around seven children have tragically lost their lives in the stampede at Bashorun. The scene this morning was utterly devastating,” a source reported.

Leading up to the unfortunate event, the radio station had been energetically promoting the “2024 Children Fun Fair,” sparking widespread excitement among local children and their families.

A Facebook post shared by the station on Tuesday stated: “Her Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, Founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support, visited the Kunle Hamzat studio in preparation for her 2024 Children Fun Fair.”

During a special program on Agidigbo FM, Queen Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunswusi announced plans to host 5,000 children aged 0-13 from across Ibadan for free through the WINGS Foundation.

Olori Naomi Ogunwusi announced that the event set for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan is exclusively for children. They will have the chance to win exciting prizes such as scholarships and other generous gifts.

Olori Ogunwusi also guaranteed parents and guardians that there would be sufficient security for all event participants.

Sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday revealed that the festive event turned tragic when a large crowd of children and parents surged forward to collect gifts and food, leading to a devastating stampede.

Witnesses depicted the scene as chaotic, with numerous individuals being trampled in the commotion. Emergency services were swiftly overwhelmed, and details of the tragedy continue to unfold.

A user on X, Adebanjo, asserted that the stampede resulted from overcrowding at the event’s location.

He wrote: “It was repeatedly announced on the radio that they should stop going. Yet, people were still determined to go there.”

Another online user, Kemi, alleged that several deceased individuals from the stampede were taken to the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital.

Ajokehub (@Ajokehub) commented, “My sister, that’s right. You should have seen the crowd at OTCHEW this morning.”

Omoge Iwọyi (@Olaoyet79652043) tweeted, “In truth, Oriyomi was in tears, stating that the people of Ibadan have tarnished his reputation. An ambulance has arrived and there is still a large crowd present despite being told to leave. The event was not organized well at all.”

Attempts to contact the management of Agidigbo FM for a statement were unsuccessful, as they could not be reached by press time.

Attempts to contact Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, were unsuccessful.

The Oyo Police Command also did not respond to calls requesting their comments.