Agidigbo FM has denied involvement in the children’s end-of-the-year party in Ibadan, which resulted in a stampede with many feared dead on Wednesday, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Peoples Gazette earlier reported that many children reportedly died in a stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.
Witnesses said children were trapped in the chaos, while many others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at hospitals.
Reacting to the development in a statement by its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, on Wednesday, the radio station said it did not participate in organising the event.
The statement further clarified that the media outfit was only consulted to promote the event while acknowledging the organisers’ efforts to curtail the tragic incident.
“This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organized by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserates with the families involved”, the statement reads.
“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organizer of the children’s 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 a.m. this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and public service announcements, from that time, that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.
“The organizers of the event also did all they could 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”, it added.
The media outfit urged the public against spreading misinformation while sympathising with the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, in a statement, vowed to hold those involved in the unfortunate incident accountable.
In a related development, Organisers of the children’s funfair have been arrested.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the organisers are in custody as investigations continue to determine the cause of the stampede.
He made this known in a statement he shared on his official X handle on Wednesday.
Makinde said measures have been taken to prevent further death while sympathising with the victims and their families.
The governor wrote, “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.
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”.
He also assured the public that those responsible would face appropriate consequences.
“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”, he added.
