Several sources at the scene reported that the victims were crushed to death in the stampede while attempting to force their way through the main gate of the premises.

At least 32 children have been confirmed dead following a stampede at a carnival in the southwestern Nigerian state of Oyo, according to officials on Thursday.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday at the Bashorun Islamic High School in the state capital, Ibadan.

Spokesperson Dotun Oyelisa confirmed to journalists that 32 people were dead, but noted that the number could change once police provide a full report.

When contacted for further information, Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said an ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the exact number of victims.

The carnival was organized by Women in Need of Guidance and Support, a non-governmental organization, and its founder, Naomi Silekunola, is reportedly under police interrogation.

Omolewa Azeez, a witness who was at the event with her 7-year-old son, told Anadolu that she arrived at 6 a.m. (0500GMT) to find a crowd attempting to force their way into the venue, as there were insufficient security personnel present.

“Many people fell and were trampled, while others fainted due to the intense pressure of the crowd,” she said, explaining that some children and parents had been keeping vigil at the venue.

The radio broadcast for the event indicated that the organizers had planned to provide food and gift items for 5,000 children, but nearly 8,000 people arrived as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Multiple sources at the scene reported that the victims were crushed to death while attempting to break through the main gate of the venue.