?The pain of losing my two children in the stampede is indescribable. It?s like losing a part of my soul?.

Those were the words of a traumatized mother whose two children were crushed to death during the stampede that occurred last Wednesday at Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo state where a funfair for children was scheduled to take place. 35 children died while six others were seriously injured during the stampede.

The event, organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, was intended to cater to 5,000 attendees. It received a good promotion, especially on Agidigbo FM, and the news of a free event with promises of gifts and scholarships spread quickly, and people thronged from far away to attend.

Sitting in her modest home in an interview with Saturday Vanguard, a victim of the tragedy, Mrs. Adijat Adewumi, affectionately known as Iya Ola, spoke about the incident and the days leading up to that fateful event, her voice laden with sorrow.

She said, ?Just a few days before the funfair, I received a vision from a pastor of a white garment church, a man I had never met. He urged me to observe three days fasting and prayer. 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. 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,? she explained, her voice tinged with regret.

?I wanted to see their joy, to let them experience the magic of the fair. 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. But as the gates swung open, a tidal wave of people surged forward, overwhelming the entrance.

?I felt a sense of dread wash over me. I lost sight of my children in an instant and I started calling their names, but the noise was deafening. In those terrifying moments, the realisation 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. 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 prophesy, she lamented, her heart heavy with grief.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the government pledged its commitment to support the victims and their families during this difficult time. Prince Oyelade clarified that the state government was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event and emphasised the importance of proper coordination and safety measures for gatherings involving children and vulnerable groups.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident happened at the venue?s entrance, where the crowd exceeded expectations. The overwhelming number of attendees led to chaos, resulting in the tragic stampede. (Saturday Vanguard)

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