Stampede At Ibadan Fun Spot: Unspecified Number Of Children Feared Dead

By Ayodele Oni

Unspecified number of persons, mainly children have been confirmed dead as a result of an early morning  tragedy at a fun spot in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

The tragedy occurred at a fun spot organized by a local radio station at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan.

Report claimed that a large number of children had gathered at the spot for the annual Yuletide rendevoux held by most radio stations before there was a stampede.

A quick response by the state government has reduced the number of casualties.

The government said it mourned “the tragic loss of lives at a children’s carnival in Ibadan.”

According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade,  “a stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.”

Oyelade added that the state government swiftly mobilized a rapid response team immediately it heard about the incident.

The commissioner noted that victims had been swiftly transported 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, said government would do “all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

“The state government was not involved in any of the planning; neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.”

The commissioner emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

He indicated that government is currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify “the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.”

The commissioner announced that parents who were 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: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).