By Deborah Nnamdi
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 has not been ascertained at the time of filing this report.
We learned that the victims have been rushed to some hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis.
We also 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 at the venue in the early hours of Wednesday.
The rush to enter the venue resulted in a stampede, with many children feared dead.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the development in a statement, stating that the state government has responded to the situation.
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 mobilized 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, and University College Hospital (UCH).” he added.
All efforts made to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, were not successful.
