A tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, has resulted in the deaths of over 30 children, with many others injured.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the private funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the tragedy in a statement, noting that the stampede took place during an event organized for children.
“The government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident,” Oyelade said.
The victims were immediately rushed to several hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment, with the state government coordinating the response.
“The state government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period,” Oyelade added.
He also clarified that the state government was not involved in organizing the event, nor was the Ministry of Health asked to provide any logistical support for the private children’s funfair.
“The government was not involved in any of the planning, neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair,” Oyelade stated.
The commissioner stressed the importance of proper event coordination, especially for large gatherings involving children and elderly individuals.
He mentioned that the government is awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to determine the exact number of victims.
Meanwhile, concerned parents have been urged to check hospitals in Ibadan where the injured children were taken for medical care. The affected hospitals include Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
“The state government extends its sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy and urges the public to remain calm while more information is gathered and necessary support is provided to the victims,” the statement concluded.
