Tragic Stampede at Ibadan School Funfair in Nigeria Leaves 35 Children Dead, Six Injured
A tragic stampede occurred at a school funfair in Ibadan, a city in southwestern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 35 children and leaving six others severely injured, according to police reports released Thursday.
The injured children are currently receiving medical care following the incident, which took place on Wednesday in Oyo State’s third-largest city, as confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command.
“Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with their involvement in the incident,” police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a statement.
Among those arrested was the primary sponsor of the event at Basorun Islamic High School, which was organized by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM radio station.
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The State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section has launched an investigation into the tragedy, Osifeso added.
In response to the incident, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow on Thursday, stating his “profound sadness” over the tragic event.
He extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the local community, state officials, and the grieving families who lost their children in the tragedy.
Tinubu called on the “Oyo State government to implement all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening again,” according to the presidential statement.
“Key actions should include a comprehensive review of safety protocols for public events, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety inspections of event venues,” Tinubu emphasized.
‘Rest in peace’
Recent months in Nigeria have witnessed several deadly stampedes.
In March, two students were killed and 23 others injured after being crushed in a stampede during a free rice distribution at Nasarawa State University in central Nigeria.
Later that same month, another stampede took the lives of four women waiting outside a wealthy businessman’s office in Bauchi city to receive a 5,000 naira ($3.40) cash gift intended to help with food costs during Ramadan.
Witnesses reported that the crowd’s frantic push for the money triggered the stampede, as Nigeria faced its worst economic crisis in a generation.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences for the victims in Ibadan via X on Wednesday.
“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Makinde stated.
He also expressed sympathy for the parents, saying their joy had been turned into mourning due to the tragic deaths.
Tragic Stampede at Ibadan School Funfair in Nigeria Leaves 35 Children Dead, Six Injured
