Friday, July 17, 2026

Ibadan Stampede: Orphanage operators recommend stricter safety standards at public events

The coordinator noted that the safety and lives of citizens, especially children, must never be compromised by negligence.

• December 21, 2024
Ibadan stampede
Ibadan stampede [Credit: The Guardian ]

The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, South-West Zone, has called for increased oversight and enforcement of safety standards at public events.

 The association’s South-West Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, made the call in a statement in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday following Wednesday’s stampede at a children’s funfair.

 Recall that 35 children died in the stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the venue of the funfair.

 Ms Odigbo also called for mandatory safety audits and emergency response plans.

 She urged relevant authorities to conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the root causes of the tragedy.

 Ms Odigbo added that the organisers should be held accountable and prosecuted for gross negligence and endangerment of lives.

 According to her, the families of the deceased children must be adequately compensated, while medical and psychological support must be provided to affected victims.

She emphasises the incident should serve as a wake-up call for meaningful reform in the planning, regulation, and execution of public events in Nigeria.

The coordinator noted that the safety and lives of citizens, especially children, must never be compromised by negligence.

 “To the grieving families, we extend our deepest condolences. As an organisation, ASOHON stands with you in this difficult time. This preventable tragedy should ignite transformative changes in event management and public safety standards. We must honour the lives lost by ensuring no family endures such a devastating loss again. Let this moment drive accountability, reform, and the prioritisation of safety in all public events,” Ms Odigbo said.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

suspected phone thieves

States

Niger: Police rescue two suspected phone thieves from mob

He identified the suspects as Hassan Abdullahi, 20, and Khalifa Bashir, 22. 

COURT OF APPEAL

Heading 5

Court of Appeal nullifies Electoral Act provisions on parties’ primary election, membership register

Zenith Party argued that the disputed Electoral Act provisions unlawfully interfered with the internal affairs of political parties. 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos

Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurates climate investment fund

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the fund as a landmark intervention. 

Kano-Daura rail project

NationWide

NRC reaffirms police partnership to protect rail assets

Mr Opeifa described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded.