20 children were killed on Wednesday during a stampede at a Christmas celebration in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
NewsBand understand that an announcement was made for parents to bring their children to the address of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan for free gifts, courtesy of the former wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi.
Provision was made for 5000 kids according to the announcements.
However, far more children and their parents turned up there for the Christmas gifts.
The crowd later became unmanageable leading to a stampede which allegedly resulted in multiple deaths.
The event was immediately stopped, and attendees were escorted out of the venue.
Apart from the recorded casualties, several children were rushed to the University of Ibadan College Hospital for immediate medical attention.
Though, Agidigbo’s radio station had denied organising the event to provide gifts to children during the Christmas season.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde in a statement on Wednesday, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying it was a “very sad day” for Oyo State.
He condoled with the parents who had their joy turned to mourning due to the sudden loss of their loved ones.
To prevent further casualties, Governor Makinde deployed security agents to restore order at the venue while medical personnel and ambulances were also dispatched to provide emergency care to those injured.
He stated that the state government has commenced an investigation, adding that those responsible for the incident will be held accountable.