The Oyo State Government says it has arrested the organisers of a children’s funfair in Ibadan where people lost their lives in a stampede.
No fewer than 32 people, mostly children lost their lives during the deadly incident at the party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in the early hours of Wednesday.
Thelensng gathered that the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, organised the event.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the stampede occurred at Islamic High School, Basorun.
He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.
Oyelade, who confirmed the number of deaths, said some others sustained injuries.
He said the state government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team to the venue following the incident, noting that victims were taken to various hospitals within Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
Oyelade assured that the state government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the stampede in this trying period.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.
“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Oyelade urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification.
He urged the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims.
