- Safiu Kehinde
Sequel to the tragic stampede incident that claimed the lives of over 34 children yesterday at an organized fun-fair in Ibadan, a video where the former wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola, had wooed the children to the ill-fated fun-fair has surfaced online.
Queen Naomi had in a post on her Instagram handle on Monday invited the children to the fun-fair organized by her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS).
According to her, the Foundation has been organizing the funfair across cities and villages in Nigeria over the years.
This year’s edition was scheduled to hold in Ibadan with Queen Naomi in appearance of the event.
“It is celebration time; it is merriment season. The joy of the season is that we all have fun and celebrate. Ibadan, guess what?
“I am coming to you. I am coming to your city. Every child, every girl, every boy in Ibadan, this is the opportunity to come together in one space and celebrate.
“I’m coming under the platofrm of Women In Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS).
“As children of God, anywhere we come to, we come in and we show off.
“It is a children funfair that we do every year. Every child needs to come-from zero to 10. We are celebrating you- even up to 13. I t is children funfair. We’ve done in across cities and villages in Nigeria.” Queen Naomi had said in the post.
Unfortunately, the supposed day of celebration turned to the day of sorrow across several households following the horrific stampede that left many dead.
In the wake of the incident, Oyo state governor, expressed his sadness as he confirmed the loss of lives and the tragic event in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The governor confirmed that the organizers of the event has been arrest with investigation ongoing to uncover the cause of the stampede.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“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.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.
“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.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.” the governor.
Meanwhile, initial reports claimed that the event was organzied by Agidigbo FM, a renowned radio station in the ancient city.
NPO, however, reported that the media outlet had refuted the claims.
As against reports of being the organizer of the event held at Islamic High School, Bashorun area of Ibadan, the media outfit, in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Director of Programme, Olayinka AbdulWahab, dismissed the purported claims.
The event, according to AbdulWahab, was organized by WINGS Foundation with the radio station being one of the media outfits used for the promotion of the event.
In an effort to avert the disaster, AbdulWahab recounted how rounds of jingles and Public service Announcement were made by the station to inform the populace to stop going to the venue.
He also recalled how the event organizers had deployed security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
While expressing sadness over the incident, Agidigbo FM urged the general public to desist from the spread of the misinformation.
The statement read in part; “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organized by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM, is the organizer of the children funfair, however, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organizer of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.
“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, use all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and Public service Announcement, from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organizers of the event also did all they can to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.
“This a very sad day for us all, however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM, for more information.
“This is not the time to spread misinformation, the Management of Agidigbo FM, implore the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives.
“Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience any tragic experience.”