Tragedy As Several Children Feared Dead, Many Injured In Ibadan End Of The Year Party

-Oyo Govt Mourns

Several persons, mostly children were feared dead in a stampede during the end of the year children’s carnival organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Oguwusi.

Unconfirmed report has it that 32 lives were lost in the unfortunate incident which occurred at the main gate of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The carnival, which could no longer hold as a result of the unfortunate incident was meant to present gifts and food to 5000 children by her foundation.

Unfortunately, the venue was overfilled with beneficiaries than expected, which consequently resulted in the unfortunate incident.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives resulting from a stampede at a private children’s fun fair in Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred at Basorun Islamic High School in the early hours of Wednesday, claimed the lives of several children and left many others injured.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government confirmed its swift response to the incident by mobilising a rapid response team.

Victims were immediately transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for urgent medical care.

The commissioner praised the prompt action of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for deploying all available medical response teams to assist at the scene.

He also assured the public that the state government is committed to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.

The statement clarified that the Oyo State Government 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.

The state government, however, extended its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and urged the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations continue and necessary support is provided to the victims.

At one of the five hospitals where the victims were taken to, administrative officer, Patnas Specialist Hospital, Bashorun, Oluwo-Kekere, Olufemi Akinyele confirmed that of the six children received, one of them was rescued as other had passed on before reaching the health facility.

One of the deceased’s parents, Iya Ayo regretted releasing her ward for the event.

As of the time of filing this report, the four deaths at Patnas Hospital were yet to be picked up by parents.

In a telephone interview, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso said investigations were ongoing.

Concerned parents have been advised to check the following hospitals in Ibadan for information on their children providing valid identification.

Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital and
University College Hospital (UCH)

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to provide assistance at the scene of the incident, Prince Oyelade in the statement, said the State Government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

The statement further said that the 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.