A tragic stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has reportedly claimed the lives of several children.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at a private funfair hosted at Basorun Islamic High School.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the incident in a statement.
Oyelade revealed that the state government immediately mobilized a rapid response team to the scene and facilitated the swift transportation of victims to various hospitals across the Ibadan metropolis for urgent medical care.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as investigations into the cause of the stampede are underway.
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,” he said.
Oyelade 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.
