On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a tragic incident at a Christmas fair in Ibadan, the third-largest city in Nigeria, resulted in the death of at least 35 children, while six others were critically injured. The event, which promised scholarships and food distributions, was held at an Islamic high school and attracted thousands.

The Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation (WINGS) and Agidigbo 88.7 FM radio station organized the event at Basorun Islamic High School. The event’s advertisement promised children the chance to “win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts.” According to police reports, up to 5,000 children under the age of 13 were expected to attend.

Video footage from the incident showed a large crowd of mostly children watching as others were removed from an open field. Parents were spotted carrying their children’s bodies, and emergency responders struggled to manage the dire situation.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, “We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths. Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso announced that eight people have been arrested “for their various involvements” in the incident. Those detained included Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife who founded WINGS, and the school’s principal. The case has been transferred to the state’s criminal investigation department and a homicide investigation has begun.

Security personnel were called in to control the escalating situation. Six children were critically injured in the crowd crush and were transported to local hospitals for treatment, according to CNN. Medical staff worked throughout the night to treat those injured, many of whom were in critical condition.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and directed the Oyo State government to review and regularly audit safety measures at event venues. He also called for stricter regulations for public gatherings.

The attractive promise of prizes drew a large crowd as Nigeria is currently grappling with its worst economic crisis in a generation, marked by skyrocketing inflation rates and record food prices.

This incident follows several similar events in Nigeria this year. In March, a rice distribution event at Nasarawa State University resulted in the death of two students and injured 23 others.

The same month, a crowd crush outside a businessman’s office in Bauchi claimed the lives of four women who had gathered to receive cash gifts of 5,000 naira (approximately $2.70) during Ramadan.

In Lagos, a crowd surge at a Nigerian Customs Service auction where seized bags of rice were being sold led to the death of five people.