Oyo Carnival: 30 Children Feared Dead in a Stampede

Many Children Feared Dead in a Stampede at Oyo Carnival Ibadan

Unknown number of children were killed in a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

This online news media gathered that over 30 children lost their lives, with many others injured during the incident.

The state commissioner for information and orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School.

The unfortunate event that happened at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area was intended to provide 5000 naira to 5000 children.

However, things took a devastating turn when the number of children exceeded the expected 5,000, leading to a struggle for entry.

Oyelade stated that the government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.

The commissioner noted that victims had been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade said, “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.”

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 is arranged for the victims.

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