Stampede at Nigerian School Fair Leaves 35 Children Dead

The tragedy in Ibadan unfolded during a crowded event offering food and prizes, leading to arrests and calls for improved safety measures.

At least 35 children were killed and six others critically injured in a crowd crush at a Christmas fair held at an Islamic high school in Ibadan, Nigeria, on December 18, 2024.
The event, organized by a charity and a local radio station, drew over 5,000 attendees with promises of free food and prizes, overwhelming the venue and leading to chaos.
Eight people, including the event's main sponsor and the school principal, have been arrested as police investigate the incident as a potential case of negligence and homicide.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed condolences and called for stricter safety regulations to prevent future tragedies at public events.
This stampede highlights growing desperation in Nigeria, where an economic crisis and soaring food prices have led to several deadly crowd surges in recent years.