Over 30 children feared dead in Oyo carnival stampede

More than 30 children have reportedly died and several others were injured in a stampede that occurred during a carnival in Oyo State.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan.

Oyelade added that they government immediately mobilised a rapid response team following the incident.

The commissioner said the victims have been rushed to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

He commended his Health counterpart, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available 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.

“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.”

READ ALSO: BAUCHI: Four women die during stampede for zakaat

Oyelade, however, stressed the essence of proper coordination during events of such magnitude, particularly those involving children and the elderly.

He said they were awaiting a detailed report from the state’s commissioner of police on the number of victims involved in the unfortunate incident.

“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where affected children have been taken for proper medical care, with valid means of identification:

“Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” he stated.

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