Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, a prominent figure involved in organizing the Ibadan funfair event, has spoken out in defense of Queen Naomi, following the tragic stampede that led to multiple fatalities.
In his statement, Hamzat recounted the efforts made by Queen Naomi to ensure a safe and enjoyable event:
- Advanced Preparations: Naomi Queen inspected the venue a day before the event and made arrangements for 7,000 chairs—exceeding the 5,000 children initially expected—to accommodate mothers accompanying their children.
- Ticketing Solution: Although tickets were not initially planned, Hamzat organized the printing of 5,500 tickets to control crowd management better.
- Security Measures: The program was set to begin at 10 a.m., with security personnel scheduled to arrive by 8 a.m.
The Tragic Turn of Events
However, despite these preparations, chaos erupted early:
- Overcrowding Before Dawn: Crowds began gathering as early as 4 a.m., with over 2,000 mothers throwing their children over the venue fence by 5:45 a.m.
- Fatal Mistakes: In one heartbreaking case, a mother threw her child over the fence, believing someone would catch him, but the child tragically died upon hitting the ground.
- Unmanageable Numbers: Some individuals reportedly brought multiple children, with one woman arriving with 19 children, exacerbating the crowding issue.
Hamzat’s Defense of Naomi
Hamzat questioned the criticism directed at Queen Naomi, emphasizing that the stampede resulted from the crowd’s behavior and lack of compliance with instructions, not her negligence.
He argued that despite her best efforts, she could not control the overwhelming turnout and the actions of desperate parents.
Key Takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the importance of rigorous crowd control protocols, particularly when organizing large-scale events in high-demand areas.