Tragedy at Nigerian Christmas Funfair: 35 Children Killed in
Crush
A Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Nigeria, turned into a
heartbreaking tragedy as 35 children lost their lives in a crush, with six
others hospitalized, according to police reports. The event, held in the city’s
Bashorun district, drew an overwhelming crowd after organizers promised cash
and food handouts. Authorities say the disaster unfolded when over 5,000
children gathered at the Islamic High School venue, resulting in chaos as attendees
jostled for entry.
The specific sequence of events leading to the fatal crush
remains unclear. Police have arrested eight individuals, including Naomi
Silekunola, the main organizer and a prominent local figure. Meanwhile,
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the grieving families
and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Oyo state government has confirmed that victims were
transported to various hospitals across Ibadan. Medical staff described
harrowing scenes: at one hospital, six children were admitted, but only two
survived. Another facility reported three fatalities among the victims it
received.
Distraught parents recounted arriving at the venue as early
as 5:00 AM, hours before the event’s scheduled start. Many were desperate for
relief, as organizers had promised 5,000 naira (approximately £2.50 or $3) and
free meals to 5,000 children. This promise of aid drew an estimated crowd
exceeding 10,000 people, a stark reflection of Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles.
The tragic crush highlights a broader pattern of fatal crowd
surges in Nigeria, where economic hardship often drives massive turnouts for
aid distribution. Earlier this year, similar incidents claimed lives: in March,
two students died at Nasarawa State University during a rice distribution
program, and days later, seven people perished in Bauchi during another cash
handout event. In February, five people were trampled to death in Lagos when
the Nigerian Customs Service auctioned seized bags of rice.
These recurring tragedies underline the urgent need for
stricter crowd control measures and better-organized relief initiatives to
prevent further loss of life.
The Ibadan incident has left a deep scar on the community,
with authorities urging parents to visit local hospitals in search of their
missing children. As investigations proceed, the nation mourns yet another
preventable disaster fueled by economic desperation.
