The Oyo State Government said it has begun an investigation into a stampede that happened at a carnival in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 32 people, mostly children.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, a stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to the loss of 32 lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.
According to the statement, the State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team in the aftermath of the incident, adding that victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
Oyelade stressed that the government was not involved in any planning, nor was the Ministry of Health involved in the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.
He stressed the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders. He added that they are awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to determine the total number of victims involved in the incident.
The commissioner urged parents concerned about their children’s whereabouts to check medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
