Stampede at Oyo funfair claims lives of several children
By Jeffrey Agbo
A stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of several children on Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred at a private funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School.
In a statement, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the stampede and expressed the government’s concern over the loss of young lives.
Oyelade stated that the state government swiftly deployed a rapid response team to the scene and ensured that the injured were rushed to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for immediate medical attention.
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.”
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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.
