An uncertain number of children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that over 30 children lost their lives, with many others injured during the tragic incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School. He added that the government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team after the incident.
Oyelade noted that victims were promptly transported to various hospitals in the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
He also appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for activating all available response teams to assist at the scene. Oyelade assured that the state government would support the victims and their families during this difficult time. He clarified, however, that the government was not involved in organising the event, nor was the Ministry of Health asked to provide logistics for the private children’s funfair.
He emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and the elderly.
The commissioner added that they were awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to confirm the total number of victims.
He urged parents concerned about the whereabouts of their children to visit the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where affected children have been taken, with valid identification:
- Patnas Hospital, Basorun
- Western Hospital, Basorun
- Ringroad State Hospital
- Molly Specialist Hospital
- University College Hospital, Ibadan
The government extended its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, urging the public to remain calm as further information is gathered and support is arranged for the victims.
