Many children reportedly lost their lives in a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, resulting in fatalities and injuries in the early hours of today, reports The Nation.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the incident and said that the government has swiftly mobilised a rapid response team.
Victims have been transported to various hospitals within Ibadan for medical attention.
Oyelade appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene.
He assured that the state government will support the victims through this difficult period.
The statement clarified that the state government was not involved in the planning of the event and that the Ministry of Health was not requested to provide any logistics for the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.
It emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.
The commissioner indicated that they are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.
The commissioner said parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital and University College Hospital (UCH).
The statement further said that the Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.
