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IBADAN, Nigeria — Many children were reportedly dead in a stampede that happened during a carnival in Ibadan.
The carnival, many believed, was organised by a former wife of the Ooni of Ife.
As at press time, it was gathered that the children that had died were close to 20, according to an eyewitness account.
The carnival, which was organised at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, had been going on smoothly until the time gifts were being distributed.
In an X viral video, one of the children was being carried away from the surging crowd which thronged the scene to catch a glimpse of what was going on.
The venue of the programme, which could accommodate 500 children had more than 3,000 children struggling to get their gifts.
According to the source, the chaotic situation led to a stampede as some children who fell were struggling to stand up.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives from the stampede.
Confirming the tragic incident, the Oyo State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, noted that the state government had responded to the situation of the stampede at the private children’s funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some injured in the early hours of yesterday.
Oyelade said: “The state government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident. Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
“Parents, who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children, are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
“The hospitals where the injured were rushed to include Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, University College Hospital.”
According to information gathered, some of the injured children had reportedly been confirmed dead on arrival at some of the hospitals while doctors were still battling to save others.
A patient at the UCH said: “They just brought four children into UCH. I don’t know if they are dead. I just saw another one die now.
“May the Almighty rest the poor dead souls. I think the organisers could be better. There is poverty in the land. Yes and greed, too, but I think the organisers should have done better.”
Meanwhile, the state government has clarified that it was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event and stressed the need for proper coordination and safety measures for events involving children and vulnerable groups.
