Tragedy struck early today at a children’s carnival held at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede reportedly claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said, “The state government has swiftly mobilized a rapid response team, and victims have been taken to various hospitals for urgent medical attention.”
Oyelade expressed the government’s condolences to affected families, adding, “This is a deeply tragic event, and our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. The Oyo State government will provide all necessary support to the victims during this difficult period.”
In a clarifying statement, Oyelade stressed that the event was privately organized, with no involvement from the state government. “The Ministry of Health was not requested to provide any logistics for the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair,” he said, urging future organizers to ensure proper coordination of such events, especially those involving children and the elderly.
Parents searching for their children have been advised to visit hospitals where victims are receiving treatment, including Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and University College Hospital (UCH). Oyelade advised concerned parents to come with valid identification.
The commissioner also revealed that the state government is awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to determine the exact number of casualties. “We are currently working closely with security and medical personnel to gather accurate details of the incident,” he said.
Oyelade urged the public to remain calm and assured, “The government will continue to support the victims and take all necessary steps to ensure such an incident does not occur again.”
