A stampede at a religious festival in Nigeria, attended by thousands of young people, has resulted in multiple fatalities, according to local authorities.
The incident took place on Wednesday at an Islamic high school in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where around 5,000 young people and children had gathered for the event.
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences, confirming the loss of lives and injuries, and said that security forces were sent to manage the situation and evacuate those affected. Video footage from the scene showed children being carried to local hospitals.
Makinde described the day as tragic and offered sympathy to the parents who had lost their children. He stated that investigations were underway, and the primary organisers of the event were in custody. He assured that those responsible, either directly or indirectly, would face consequences.
The organisers were identified as the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, which hosted a similar event last year. The group had planned to host up to 5,000 attendees at this year’s festival, where participants were promised prizes such as scholarships and other gifts. Nigeria’s national emergency services have been deployed to assist the victims.
