The festive atmosphere at a funfair held on December 18, 2024, in Ibadan’s Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a stampede claimed the lives of 35 minors and left six others critically injured. What was supposed to be a day of joy and laughter ended in chaos, sorrow, and unanswered questions.
The event was reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, who has since been arrested alongside seven others. While the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation, the tragedy has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Nigerians who are demanding accountability and action.
In the aftermath of such a disaster, one might expect an outpouring of national grief and swift measures to address the root causes. Yet, the response—or lack thereof—raises troubling questions about our collective priorities as a society. Writer Ikhide Ikheloa’s poignant observation resonates deeply: “In a sane society, if 35 dogs die in a stampede, the president would open a crisis center with hourly press conferences updating the nation.” His statement is an indictment of a system where human lives are often undervalued, and tragedies are met with bureaucratic silence instead of decisive action.
In many developed nations, the death of even a single child would prompt immediate national mourning, emergency response teams would be deployed, and leaders would address the public with assurances and plans to prevent future occurrences. Yet, in Nigeria, a disaster of this magnitude often becomes another fleeting headline, quickly overshadowed by the next crisis. The 35 children who died in the Ibadan stampede are more than statistics; they were sons, daughters, siblings, and friends whose lives were cut tragically short. Their deaths highlight systemic failures in event planning, safety regulations, and governmental oversight.
How was such a large gathering allowed without adequate crowd control measures? Were local authorities aware of the event, and if so, what role did they play in ensuring the safety of attendees? These are questions that demand immediate answers. The arrest of the organizer, Prophetess Naomi, and her associates is a step toward justice, but it is far from sufficient. True justice lies in addressing the systemic issues that allow such preventable tragedies to occur repeatedly.
Over the years, Nigerians have become heartbreakingly familiar with similar incidents—stampedes at religious gatherings, market fires, building collapses—all pointing to a lack of enforcement of safety standards and a culture of negligence. The Ibadan stampede is a stark reminder that these issues remain unresolved, and the cost continues to be paid in human lives.
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for both state and federal authorities. The safety of citizens, especially children, must be prioritized above all else. Event organizers must be held to strict safety standards, with permits granted only after thorough inspections. Local governments must enforce regulations, and there should be zero tolerance for cutting corners when lives are at stake.
At the national level, the government must show visible concern for its people. Leaders must step forward not only to express condolences but to initiate meaningful policy changes. The silence of key authorities in the face of such a loss is unacceptable and sends a troubling message about the value placed on human life.
The families of the 35 children who perished in the Ibadan stampede will carry the pain of this loss for the rest of their lives. Their grief must not be in vain. As a society, we owe it to them to honor the memory of their loved ones by demanding accountability, reform, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.
This is not just a moment for mourning; it is a moment for action. Let this tragedy be the last of its kind. Let it inspire a collective resolve to confront our broken systems and ensure that such an incident never happens again. For the sake of those who died, for the sake of those left behind, and for the future of our nation, we must do better.
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Image: Oyo State website