A tragic stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday has reportedly claimed the lives of several children, with many others injured.
While the exact number of fatalities remains uncertain, reports suggest that over 30 children lost their lives in the incident.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School.
Oyelade stated that the government immediately deployed a rapid response team upon learning of the incident. Victims were promptly transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical care.
The commissioner commended the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for promptly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene.
He assured the public that the state government is committed to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time. “The state government will do all it can to provide assistance to those affected by this tragic event,” Oyelade added.
“The government was not involved in any planning, nor was the Ministry of Health asked to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair.”
Oyelade, however, emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, particularly those involving children and the elderly.
The commissioner indicated that they were awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.
“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where affected children have been taken for proper medical care, with valid means of identification:
Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”
He extended the government’s deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy, urging the public to remain calm as relevant information is gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.
