The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the stampede that occurred on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, during a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 32 children and left several others injured.
In a statement released on Thursday, 19th December 2024, MURIC’s General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
According to eyewitness accounts, the stampede happened during a crowded funfair that was reportedly organized as a Christian evangelistic event. The program, which attracted many Muslim children, turned chaotic when the venue became overcrowded, leading to a stampede.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we received the news of this tragic incident. The death of 32 children and the injuries to many others, most of them Muslims, is devastating. We condole with the families of the victims and the Muslim community in Oyo State,” Agunbiade stated.
MURIC raised serious concerns about the organization of the event, questioning the choice of venue a Muslim school and the involvement of its management in permitting such a program.
“Why was a Muslim school chosen as the venue for a Christian evangelistic event? Were the school authorities and the Islamic Mission consulted? Why wasn’t the event held at other appropriate venues such as St. Patrick’s School or Adamasingba Stadium?” the group queried.
The organization also criticized what it described as the underreporting of the incident by the media, allegedly because of the event’s religious undertone.
MURIC called on the Oyo State government to investigate the tragedy, ensure justice for the victims, and establish measures to prevent future occurrences.
“Life is sacred and irreplaceable. Proper planning and safety measures are non-negotiable for such crowded events. The public deserves transparency, and an independent investigation must be conducted to reveal the truth,” Agunbiade emphasized.
The group concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the quick recovery of the injured.
“May Allah accept the souls of the departed as faithful servants and grant them paradise. We also pray for the injured and their families during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability from the organizers and stronger regulations for public events to ensure the safety of attendees.
