The Oyo State Government has arrested organisers of a children’s end-of-year funfair in Ibadan, where a stampede reportedly claimed the lives of several children on Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred at the Basorun Islamic High School during a private children’s carnival co-organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
In a statement, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced the launch of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“A stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries,” the governor stated. He assured that measures had been taken to prevent further casualties, including the deployment of security agents, medical personnel, and ambulances.
“The event has been stopped, attendees escorted out of the venue, and efforts are ongoing to secure the area.
Everyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable,” Makinde said.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, clarified that the government was not involved in the planning or execution of the event.
“The Ministry of Health was not consulted to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair,” he said.
He added that the government had launched a rapid response, directing affected parents to check five medical facilities in Ibadan where victims were taken for treatment: Patnas Hospital, Western Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and the University College Hospital.
Sympathising with the victims’ families, Oyelade emphasised the need for event organisers to prioritise safety. “Parents and organisers of events must ensure proper coordination to avoid such preventable disasters,” he said.
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