A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair held at Islamic High School, Basorun, leading to the loss of 32 lives, mostly children, while some others sustained injuries.
Oyelade said the state government swiftly mobilized a rapid response team to the venue following the incident.
The commissioner noted that victims have been taken to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene of the incident, Oyelade noted that the state government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the stampede in this trying period.
He noted that the state government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organization of the private end-of-the-year children's funfair.
Oyelade emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.
“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:
Patnas Hospital, Basorun
Western Hospital, Basorun
Ringroad State Hospital
Molly Specialist Hospital
University College Hospital (UCH)
“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he adds
