By Ayo Kehinde
At least 30 people, mostly children, have died in a stampede that occurred at a carnival in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Wednesday.
Governor Seyi Makinde, described the incident as a sad day for Oyo State Government and commiserated with the parents who have lost their children.
“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.
“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”, he said.
The governor said his administration has taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue.
He also emphasised that medical personnel and ambulances have been deployed, adding that the state government is also taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the programme have been arrested by security agencies and the state has vowed to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace”, he stated.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said victims have been taken to different hospitals across Ibadan for treatment.
He called on parents who are worried about the whereabouts of their children to check some medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
The Commissioner listed the medical facilities as Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital, University College Hospital (UCH).
