Tragedy in Ibadan: Parents Grieve as Funfair Stampede Claims Lives of Many Children

A devastating stampede during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, has left many families shattered as an unconfirmed number of children lost their lives on Wednesday. Preliminary reports indicate that over 30 children may have perished, with many others sustaining injuries in the tragic incident.

The stampede occurred at Basorun Islamic High School, the venue for a privately organized funfair. Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the incident and stated that the state government had swiftly mobilized a rapid response team to handle the situation.

Victims were transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for urgent medical care. Oyelade expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately deploying response teams to assist at the scene. “The state government will do all in its power to stand by the victims of this fateful incident during this trying period,” Oyelade stated.

The commissioner emphasized that the government was not involved in the planning of the event, nor was the Ministry of Health requested to provide logistical support. He stressed the importance of proper coordination when organizing large events, particularly those involving children and elders.

The exact number of casualties remains unclear as authorities await a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police. Concerned parents have been advised to visit the following hospitals with valid identification to locate their children:

• Patnas Hospital, Basorun
• Western Hospital, Basorun
• Ringroad State Hospital
• Molly Specialist Hospital
• University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the stampede occurred as attendees, mostly children, tried to force their way through the main gate of the school. Sources revealed that the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 showed up, overwhelming the organizers. Some parents and children reportedly spent the night at the venue in anticipation of the event.

An administrative officer at Patnas Hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, recounted the harrowing scenes: “Six children were brought in around 8 a.m. Four were confirmed dead, while two are currently receiving treatment. One has since been discharged, and the other is stable and recovering.”

The tragedy has left parents and families in deep anguish. A bereaved parent at one of the hospitals cried out, “I did not imagine this would happen. We were together yesterday, not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter cannot be dead. Doctor, please wake her up.”

Parents are now calling on the government to expedite the release of their children’s bodies for burial. At the University College Hospital, Ibadan, grief-stricken families mourned their losses, with many still seeking confirmation of their children’s fates.

The private organizers of the event have come under scrutiny for failing to manage the overwhelming turnout. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for meticulous planning and safety measures at large gatherings, particularly those involving vulnerable groups such as children.

As investigations continue, the government has urged the public to remain calm, assuring that comprehensive support will be provided to all affected families during this period of mourning.

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