In Nigeria, it is often said that we fail to plan for anything, and when disaster strikes, we conveniently shift the blame to perceived enemies. The recent tragic incident in Ibadan, where 35 innocent children lost their lives, is both heartbreaking and deeply troubling. This tragedy calls for sober reflection and accountability, not misplaced punitive actions.
The arrest of the organizers of the event raises important questions. If the authorities acted out of concern for their safety, then protective custody may be understandable. However, this does not address the larger systemic failures that contribute to such preventable disasters. Who should be held accountable for the countless lives lost daily due to hunger, inadequate healthcare, and fatal road accidents caused by the government’s negligence and failure to maintain infrastructure?
If the organizers of the event operated without proper authorization, it is a failure of the government to enforce or clarify its own regulatory framework. The state should ensure that permits are issued responsibly and events are monitored for safety compliance. This tragedy is an opportunity for the government to reflect on its role in preventing future occurrences, by establishing clearer policies, improving public safety measures, and prioritizing infrastructural development.
We call on the Oyo State government to release Oriyomi Hamzat and others immediately. Let this incident serve as a wake-up call, not a scapegoating exercise. Instead of shifting blame, let us demand proactive governance that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all citizens. Accountability must start from the top, and systemic change is necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Dr. Oludare Ogunlana
