It is a black wednesday as many children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The incident occurred in the Bashorun area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
The number of casualties have not been ascertained as at the time of filing this report.
However, it was learnt that the victims have been rushed to some hospitals within Ibadan metropolis.
It was further gathered that the carnival was billed to take place on Wednesday but some parents took their children to the location on Tuesday, while some arrived the venue in the early hours of Wednesday.
The rush to enter the venue resulted in a stampede, with many children feared dead.
Efforts to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, were not yet successful.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has however reacted to the sad incident.
The Governor in a statement made available via his official X handle described Wednesday as a sad day for Oyo state as he sympathizes with the parents and guardians of the victims.
He added that adequate measures which includes the deploring of security operatives and medical personnel have been put in place to ensure no further death occurs at the venue.
The statement reads;
“Statement by His Excellency Seyi Makinde Following the Stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan
“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.
“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.
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. Amen.
The Oyo State Government through the state commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade in a similar release confirmed the development in a statement.
He said: “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.
“The State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.
“Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
“Parents who are 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
– University College Hospital (UCH).”