JUST IN: (VIDEO) Many feared killed, others injured in Oyo stampede

Michael Boluwatife

Many children have been reported dead with over 30 others injured during a children's carnival in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The stampede which occurred at a private funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School on Wednesday, left many people injured.

This was confirmed in a statement by the Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday. 

Oyelade noted that the state government upon hearing the tragic incident mobilised a response team to the scene, and victims were rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment.

Oyelade said, “We commend the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for promptly activating 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."

While the government has pledged full support, Oyelade clarified that the state was not involved in the planning of the private funfair. He emphasized that the Ministry of Health had not been asked to provide logistical support for the event.

“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,” he said.

Oyelade stressed the importance of proper coordination in organizing large events, particularly those involving children and vulnerable groups. 

Authorities are awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to confirm the exact number of victims involved. Meanwhile, parents of missing children are advised to check the following hospitals in Ibadan for their children’s whereabouts: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan. 

Oyelade also expressed the government’s deepest condolences to the affected families. "We urge the public to remain calm as relevant information is gathered and support arrangements are made for the victims," he added.

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