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A Christmas funfair meant to bring joy to families in Ibadan turned tragic on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, when 35 children lost their lives in a devastating crush. The event, held at the Islamic High School in the city’s Bashorun district, also left six other children hospitalized, according to police reports.
The tragedy unfolded amidst Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis, which has plunged millions into hardship and heightened desperation. The event’s organizers had promised to distribute cash handouts of 5,000 naira (approximately $3) to 5,000 children and provide free food, drawing an overwhelming crowd of over 10,000 people, including children and their parents.
The venue, ill-equipped to handle such a massive turnout, became overcrowded early in the morning. Parents and their children began arriving as early as 5:00 a.m., five hours before the event was scheduled to begin, hoping to secure a spot and receive the much-needed financial aid and meals. Witnesses reported that the crush occurred when the main organizers arrived to kick off the event, sparking a chaotic scramble among attendees.
Medics at local hospitals described harrowing scenes as victims were rushed in. At one hospital, doctors confirmed that six children were admitted, but only two survived. At another, a doctor recounted seeing three lifeless bodies. Authorities have urged parents to check hospitals across the city to locate their missing children.
The police have since arrested eight individuals, including Naomi Silekunola, the event’s chief organizer and a prominent figure in Ibadan. While details of the events leading up to the crush remain unclear, investigators have begun piecing together the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of young lives.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the grieving families, describing the incident as a “national tragedy.” He ordered a thorough investigation to establish accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Oyo state government echoed these sentiments, pledging to support the affected families and ensure survivors receive adequate medical care.
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