Stampede: Oyo Radio Station denies organising Ibadan ‘Children Funfair’

The management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, has denied being the organisers of the children funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan that led to death of many children.

Atleast 20 number of children was earlier reported died on Wednesday after a stampede during a children’s Christmas party hosted by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife.

It was claimed that the ex-wife of the Ooni collaborated with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, led by Oriyomi Hamzat to organised the event.

“Queen Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, had planned to surprise 5,000 children with gifts and scholarships at an Islamic school. The event was publicly announced by Agidigbo FM radio for days. However, tragedy struck, resulting in the deaths of at least seven children.

“She wanted to surprise 5000 children’s with gifts and scholarship at Islamic school and Agidigbo FM radio is involved as well.

“About seven children have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Bashorun. The scene this morning was absolutely devastating,” a source who spoke to Sahara Reporters said.

However, expressing grief over the tragic incident, the Agidigbo FM clarified that the station did not organise the event but only served as a media partner for its promotion.

This clarification was issued in a press release signed by the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka AbdulWahab, on Wednesday.

The statement read, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.

Meanwhile, the state governor Seyi Makinde, said that the government had launched an immediate investigation into the incident.

“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries,” the statement noted.

Sympathising with the family of victims, the governor noted that efforts had been made to stop further deaths and support victims.

The statement noted, “We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.”

Makinde further assured that everyone involved in the incident would be held accountable.

The governor said, “I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”