Tragedy struck in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, Oyo State, as a stampede at a children’s carnival claimed multiple lives on Wednesday morning, with many victims feared to be children. The chaotic incident reportedly occurred as parents and children rushed to access the venue, leading to fatal consequences.
The Oyo State Government confirmed the stampede in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who disclosed that several lives were lost, while others sustained injuries. Victims were immediately transported to hospitals across Ibadan for urgent medical attention.
The Commissioner revealed that the incident took place at a private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School. According to reports, some parents had arrived at the venue on Tuesday, while others came in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in overcrowding and the stampede.
The government has mobilized a rapid response team and urged parents searching for their children to visit the following medical facilities:
Patnas Hospital, Basorun
Western Hospital, Basorun
Ringroad State Hospital
Molly Specialist Hospital
University College Hospital (UCH)
Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of this report. However, emergency teams continue to work at the scene and in hospitals to manage the aftermath of the tragic event.
This unfortunate incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for stricter crowd control measures at public events to prevent future occurrences.
