‘A very sad day for us here in Oyo,’ Makinde consoles parents as funfair carnival turns bloody, many children feared dead

A stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, reportedly led to the loss of many young lives.

According to reports, the incident occurred at a private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, resulting in fatalities and injuries early today.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the tragedy and stated that the government had quickly mobilized a rapid response team. Victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

Oyelade expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for promptly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene. He assured the public that the state government would support the victims during this difficult time.

The statement clarified that the state government was not involved in organizing the event, nor had the Ministry of Health been asked to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair. It emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing large-scale events, particularly those involving children and elderly attendees.

The commissioner stated that a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police is awaited to determine the exact number of victims in this tragic incident.

Parents concerned about the whereabouts of their children are advised to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where the affected children have been taken for care, with valid identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).

The statement concluded with the Oyo State government offering its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy and urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as further details are gathered and support is provided to the victims.

 

Gov Makinde condoles parents, orders investigation 

On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde, while confirming the sad developments said that measures have been put in place to prevent further deaths at the venue, achieved by deploying security agents to restore order.

The Oyo governor said primary organisers of the event that led to the stampede have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries,” Makinde wrote on X.

“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue.

“The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.”

The Oyo governor reassured residents that anyone directly or remotely involved in the disaster will be held accountable.

Makinde asked that people remain calm as security agencies investigate the incident, while also extending his condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.