Agidigbo FM, a radio station in Oyo, has issued a statement following the deadly stampede at the 2024 Children’s Fun Fair in Ibadan. The station clarified its role in the event, stating that it had urged the public to avoid the venue but many still attended, leading to the tragic incident.

On December 18, 2024, a stampede occurred at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, resulting in the deaths of several children. Agidigbo FM had posted an announcement the day before, encouraging parents to bring their children to the event, which was hosted by Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife.

However, Agidigbo FM’s programming director, Olayinka Abdulwahab, explained that the station was only hired to promote the event. The event was organized by the WINGS Foundation, an NGO that supports women and girls. It was intended to accommodate 5,000 attendees.

When Agidigbo FM learned that a large crowd had already gathered by 5 a.m., they aired multiple announcements warning people not to come to the funfair. Despite these efforts, the crowd continued to grow, which eventually led to the stampede.

In their statement, Agidigbo FM expressed deep sadness and sympathy for the victims’ families. The station clarified that they were not the organizers of the event and that the WINGS Foundation and other authorities were involved in managing the situation, with security and medical teams on-site.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the event organizers were arrested for questioning in relation to the incident.