Children’s carnival turns sour in Ibadan, many feared dead in stampede

Children’s carnival organized by a Non-Government Organisation on Wednesday at Basorun Islamic High School, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital turned sour as number of people, most of them said to be children lost their lives following a stampede.

Penpushing reports that Oyo State Commissioner and Orientation Dotun Oyelade confirmed the sad incident in a statement adding that as at the time of filing this report the exact number of people killed could not be ascertained

‘Stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today. Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention’, Oyelade stated.

Penpushing further reports that the statement explained that the event was private and that the state government was not involved in any of the planning, nor was the health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-year funfair.

The statement added that Oyo State Government while mourning the tragic incident, however, in swift response mobilised a team to transport victims to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

Penpushing also reports that the statement added that the Health Ministry immediately activated all available response teams to provide assistance at the scene of the incident, stressing that the government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

The Government, however, emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders, stating that it is awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in the unfortunate incident.

Penpushing reports that the statement said parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the medical facilities provided for the victims, with valid means of identification:

The Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has, however, confirmed the arrest of the organisers of the carnival, and expressed deep concern over the incident and outlined immediate actions taken by the state government to address the situation and prevent further casualties.

Penpushing further reports that Makinde assured the public that a thorough investigation has commenced to uncover the circumstances leading to the tragedy, emphasizing that those found culpable will face justice.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody”, Makinde said

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]