A stampede during a religious event in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in southwest Nigeria, led to several fatalities and injuries, according to Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday.
The tragedy took place at an Islamic high school, where up to 5,000 young people and children had reportedly gathered for the event.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organizers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody,” State Governor Seyi Makinde said in a statement posted on X.
“This is a very sad day,” Makinde said. “We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
He promised that “anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster” would be held accountable.
Vivid Voice News could not immediately establish the exact number of casualties or the cause of the stampede. However, Governor Makinde reported that emergency services, including medical teams and ambulances, were quickly sent to the location.
Security forces were also called in to manage the situation and prevent additional injuries. The event has since been canceled, and the remaining attendees were safely evacuated from the venue.
Local media have revealed that the event was organized by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, which had hosted a similar festival last year.
This year, the foundation was preparing for an audience of up to 5,000 young people, according to Oyo-based Agidigbo FM radio station.
The organizers had promised participants enticing prizes, including scholarships and other generous gifts.
Nigeria’s national emergency services confirmed that a team had been dispatched to aid the victims of the incident.
