No fewer than 30 children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Wednesday.
Dotun Oyelade, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, acknowledged in a statement made on Wednesday that the stampede took place at Basorun Islamic High School’s private children’s funfair.
According to Oyelade, the administration immediately organised a fast reaction team once the situation broke out.
The commissioner noted that victims were quickly transported to various hospitals in the Ibadan metropolis for medical treatment.
While thanking the Commissioner of Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for swiftly dispatching all available response teams to help at the scene, Oyelade added, “The state government will do all it can to support the victims of this tragic incident during this difficult period.
“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.”
However, Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising such large-scale events, particularly those involving children and the elderly.
The commissioner stated that they were waiting for a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to determine the total number of victims 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 conveyed the government’s heartfelt sympathy to the families touched by this tragedy, urging the public to stay calm as pertinent information is gathered and essential support arranged for the victims.
