A video making the rounds online has captured the moment a grieving mother is crying out for help to save her son, who is critically injured and dying in the aftermath of a stampede in Ibadan.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, during children Christmas funfair carnival organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.
Originally planned for 5,000 participants, the event attracted over 7,500 attendees, creating a chaotic situation that tragically claimed young lives.
Eyewitnesses recounted moments of panic as parents and children hurried to enter the venue, causing a crush at the entrance. The disorganized crowd far surpassed that number, triggering the stampede. Victims were said to have been trapped in the crowd at the main gate, with many unable to escape the crowd.
Children were taken to nearby hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Patnas Hospital, and Western Hospital, where several were pronounced dead on arrival. As of the time of reports, about 35 children had died.
In the video circulating online, the mother, visibly devastated, was seen carrying her dying son as she rushed out of the crowd to find a spacious place to lay her child.
She could be heard pleading with people to give her water, hoping it would help revive her child.
Watch video below ;