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A tragic incident unfolded on December 18, 2024, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, where a stampede at a children’s carnival resulted in the deaths of at least 30 children and left dozens injured.

The event, held at Bashorun Islamic High School, was organized by a private group aiming to distribute cash to approximately 5,000 children. This announcement led to a chaotic rush as attendees attempted to enter the venue, overwhelming the inadequate security measures in place.

Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, attributed the tragedy to poor planning and coordination by the event organizers, noting that the majority of the victims were children. Injured individuals were transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. Parents searching for their children have been advised to visit these medical facilities with proper identification.

In response to the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde deployed security agents to restore order and emphasized that those responsible would be held accountable. He stated, “While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.”

This tragic event underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and proper planning in organizing large gatherings, especially those involving children. Ensuring adequate security and crowd control is essential to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.