A disaster, rather than a fanfare of joy, became the order of the day during a children’s party organised by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The event held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan was meant to treat children between the ages of 0 to 13 from across Oyo State with foods and gifts. However, there was a stampede among children when they surged forward to collect gifts, leaving several injured and one child dead.
This was a heartbreaking incident that came just days after Prophetess Naomi celebrated her son’s fourth birthday, and it has shown how the event lacked proper control of the crowd. Though well-intentioned, it has thrown up a lot of outrage, with many in disbelief at how safety measures regarding such a gathering could be that bad.
The Oyo State Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy, but the damage is already done. Grieving families and injured children are left to bear the brunt of what should have been a day of joy. This tragedy underlines the need for strict adherence to safety protocols at public events, especially those involving children.
