Several children have tragically died in a stampede during a holiday funfair at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Oyo State, Nigeria, on Wednesday.
The incident, which occurred near the economic hub of Lagos, has left the local community in shock and mourning. Authorities have confirmed the deaths and are actively investigating the causes behind the deadly crush.
The stampede took place during an event organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, aimed at providing fun and excitement for families and children.
The gathering, expected to host up to 5,000 attendees, was supposed to be a joyous occasion, with promises of prizes such as scholarships and other rewards. However, the event turned into a tragedy when the crowd became uncontrollable.
According to local reports, at least 30 children are feared to have died in the stampede, though official figures are still pending. Security forces responded swiftly to the scene, and the event organizers were arrested.
In a statement, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his deep sorrow, calling the loss of life “a very sad day” for the community. “We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly turned to mourning due to these deaths,” he said.
Emergency services were deployed to assist the victims, with injured children rushed to nearby hospitals. Parents were urged to check for missing persons, and videos from the scene showed chaotic scenes, with children being carried away from an open field.
Many of the victims were reportedly young children, adding to the heartache of the tragedy.
The Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, which organized the event, had previously held a similar gathering last year. This year’s event was advertised as an opportunity for children to win exciting prizes, attracting a large turnout.
However, the foundation’s promises of a safe and enjoyable event were overshadowed by the devastating stampede.
An official investigation into the causes of the incident has been launched by state authorities. Governor Makinde vowed that those responsible for the tragedy, whether directly or indirectly involved, would be held accountable.
The investigation will likely focus on crowd control measures, event management, and the safety precautions that were—or were not—taken at the venue.
This incident adds to a growing list of tragedies in Nigeria. Earlier this month, dozens of people were abducted by armed men in the northwestern state of Zamfara.
The mass abduction, which included women and children, is believed to have been carried out by bandit groups notorious for kidnapping and ransom activities.
The connection between these two events highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in preventing such violence.
As the investigation into the Basorun stampede continues, the grief-stricken families of the victims are left to cope with an unimaginable loss.
For many, the joy of a holiday celebration has been forever tainted by the tragedy that unfolded in the heart of southwestern Nigeria.
