Oyo radio station clarifies role in funfair tragedy, consoles bereaved families

The management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Oyo State, has expressed grief over the tragic incident that occurred during a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

Agidigbo FM also clarified that the station did not organise the event but only served as a media partner for its promotion.

This clarification was issued in a press release signed by the station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka AbdulWahab, on Wednesday.

The statement read, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.

“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.

“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.

“The organisers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.

“This a very sad day for us all; however, we call on the general public to shun the spread of fake news and contact Agidigbo FM for more information.

“This is not the time to spread misinformation. The management of Agidigbo FM implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathise with the family of those who lost their lives.

“Thank you for your constant support. We pray to never experience any tragic experience.”

PUNCH reported earlier that a yet-to-be-ascertained number of children reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.