35 minors dead in Nigerian carnival stampede, police confirm

Stampede occurred after organisers announced cash for 5,000 children, sparking a chaotic rush to enter the school

The death toll from a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the capital of southwestern Oyo State of Nigeria, has risen to 35, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The tragedy unfolded at an Islamic high school in Ibadan on Wednesday, where a large crowd had gathered for a family event.

The stampede occurred after organisers announced plans to distribute cash to 5,000 children, sparking a chaotic rush to enter the school, located in the Basorun area of the city.

Adewale Osifeso, spokesman for the Oyo State police, confirmed that 35 minors have been "documented dead," while six others remain critically injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

"The case has been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Iyaganku," Osifeso said. "The Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the investigation."

Governor Seyi Makinde, confirming the incident in a statement on X, said investigations are ongoing and the primary organizers of the event have been taken into custody.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation and prevent further casualties. The event has been cancelled, and the remaining attendees have been safely evacuated from the venue, he added.

Moreover, in connection with the tragedy, eight people, identified as the organisers of the carnival, have been arrested.