Many children feared dead at Christmas funfair
An uncertain number of children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
However, it was gathered that over 30 children may have lost their lives, with many others injured during the incident.
In a statement released 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.
Oyelade stated that the government swiftly mobilized a rapid response team as soon as the incident was reported. The commissioner noted that victims were promptly transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical attention.
While commending 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 consulted to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair.”
Oyelade also emphasized the need for proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and the elderly.
The commissioner indicated that the government was awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to confirm the total number of victims involved in the unfortunate incident.
Concerned parents have been advised to visit any of the following medical facilities in Ibadan for information about their children, ensuring they bring valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The state government extended its deepest sympathies to the affected families and urged the public to remain calm as relevant information is gathered and necessary support is arranged for the victims.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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