The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 35 minors following a stampede at a children’s funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School, Ibadan, on Wednesday. The incident also left six other children critically injured and undergoing intensive medical intervention.
The devastating event, which has plunged the state into mourning, has prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Arrests and Police Response
Speaking on Thursday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, disclosed the arrest of eight suspects in connection with the stampede. The case has been handed over to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with the Deputy Commissioner of Police leading the probe.
“Residents around the area are advised to remain calm, as there will be an increased presence of patrol teams and visible policing to deter criminal elements from exploiting the situation,” Osifeso said. He added that the police command sympathizes with the families of the victims and is committed to ensuring that justice is served.
Tinubu Orders Investigation
President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the loss of young lives and called for a thorough investigation to determine if negligence or deliberate actions led to the incident. In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the investigation process.
“The safety of our children must remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their well-being or take precedence over their lives,” Tinubu said. He urged the Oyo State Government to implement stricter safety measures at public events, conduct regular safety audits of venues, and enforce compliance with safety regulations.
The president also called on event organizers to prioritize the safety of participants by integrating professional security, logistics, and safety protocols into their planning processes.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the grieving families and the people of Oyo State, assuring them of the government’s solidarity and prayers for the departed souls.
Hospital Confirms Victims Were Dead on Arrival
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Funmilayo Adetuyibi, confirmed that five victims brought to the hospital were dead on arrival. “We are not talking about any admissions because the victims were brought in dead,” she said.
The Oyo State Government had earlier announced that the victims were taken to multiple hospitals in Ibadan for treatment and identification.
Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked widespread calls for accountability and better safety regulations at public gatherings, particularly those involving children. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of young lives and awaits answers to what went wrong at the ill-fated event.
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
