Stampede
By OLA MODUPE, Ibadan –
Tragedy struck in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday morning, as a stampede at a children’s carnival held at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulted in the loss of several lives.
The victims were mostly children, according to a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
The Commissioner said in response to the incident, the government has swiftly mobilized a rapid response team and transported the victims to various hospitals in Ibadan for medical attention.
However, the state government said it is still awaiting a detailed report from the Police Command to determine the exact number of victims involved.
Notably, the government has clarified that it was not involved in the planning of the event.
Neither was the state Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private funfair,” Oyelade said.
He stated further that government would do all in its power to stand by victims of the incident “through this trying period.”
The Commissioner urged parents who had become apprehensive about their children’s whereabouts to check some medical facilities in Ibadan where victims of the stampede were taken to.
“The medical centres are Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ring Road State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).”
He added that while the State Government extended its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, it also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperative.
“We are in the process of gathering relevant pieces of information and necessary support is being arranged for the victims,” Oyelade said.
