Former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at a funfair event for children in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 children, has plunged families and the community into deep grief.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed grief over the disaster in a message on X. He described the tragedy as heartbreaking and extended his prayers to the families affected, noting the pain of losing children who had left home excited to enjoy a holiday outing.
“How do we tell nearly three dozen parents and wards that the children they saw off with excitement to a holiday funfair in Ibadan will not be returning home, not even late for Christmas?
“I am heartbroken, like millions of our citizens, over the tragedy that befell children who only wanted to have some fun after the rigours of the school term had come to an end. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have had their beautiful flowers plucked from them so early in the day.
“I pray that Almighty God provides comfort to all affected families and friends and heals the injured. My deepest condolences also go to the government and people of Oyo State. May the beautiful souls of the deceased rest in peace,” Atiku wrote.
The incident has cast a shadow over the holiday season in Ibadan, transforming what should have been a joyful occasion into a time of grief. Families affected by the stampede are receiving widespread sympathy and support as investigations into the cause of the tragedy continue.
