A heartbroken mother shared her indescribable pain after losing her two children in a tragic stampede that occurred last Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a funfair meant for children.
The stampede claimed the lives of 35 children, with six others suffering serious injuries.
The event, organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, was advertised to accommodate 5,000 people.
The funfair, which promised gifts and scholarships, gained wide attention, especially through Agidigbo FM, leading many to travel from afar to attend.
In a deeply emotional interview with the Vanguard, on Saturday, Mrs. Adijat Adewumi, fondly known as Iya Ola, recounted the tragic events that unfolded, her voice filled with sorrow.
She explained that a few days before the funfair, she received a vision from a pastor of a white garment church, someone she had never met before.
The pastor urged her to observe three days of fasting and prayer, a request she did not take seriously at the time, dismissing it as a mere spiritual exercise.
“I didn’t think much of it at the time; I thought it was just a spiritual exercise, not a warning of the tragedy that awaited me,” she said. “I learnt about the event through Alhaji Oriyomi Hazmat’s popular programme. It felt like a chance for my children to enjoy themselves, to forget about our struggles, even if just for a day.”
With hopes of bringing joy to her children, Iya Ola took them to the event. However, as they approached the entrance, chaos erupted.
“I had to push my way through the crowd, ensuring my children got in first. I wanted them to enjoy every moment,” she recalled. “But as the gates swung open, a tidal wave of people surged forward, overwhelming the entrance.”
It was then that dread overcame her, and she realized that something was terribly wrong.
“I lost sight of my children in an instant and I started calling their names, but the noise was deafening,” she said. “In those terrifying moments, the realization of the spiritual warning came crashing down on me. If only I had listened more closely. If only I had understood that this was a warning.”
Her heart heavy with grief, she continued, “The stampede claimed my children, leaving me traumatized. The pain is indescribable. It’s like losing a part of my soul. I am a Muslim, but I believe God speaks to us in different ways. I wish I had been more vigilant and responsive to that prophecy.”
The Oyo State Government has expressed deep condolences over the tragedy. A statement from Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, conveyed the government’s sorrow, offering support to the victims and their families during this trying time.
He clarified that the state government was not involved in organizing the private event but emphasized the importance of proper planning and safety measures for events, especially those involving children and vulnerable groups.
Eyewitnesses reported that the disaster occurred at the venue’s entrance, where the overwhelming crowd led to chaos, culminating in the devastating stampede.
