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Tragedy struck in Ibadan as reports emerged of several children losing their lives in a stampede during a carnival that had drawn a large crowd.
Speculation is rife that the event was organized by a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, adding a layer of controversy to the devastating incident.
While the exact number of casualties remained unclear as of press time, a source revealed to reporters that nearly 20 children may have lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Organized at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, the carnival had gone off without a hitch, but chaos erupted at the point where gifts were being shared among the attendees.A heartbreaking clip circulating on X showed a child being carried away from the heaving crowd, which had swarmed the area in an attempt to see the events as they unfolded.
The venue, which had a capacity for just 500 children, was swamped with over 3,000 attendees during the gift distribution, causing a dangerous commotion. Witnesses reported that children who stumbled in the chaos were unable to get back on their feet, leading to the tragic stampede. Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government released a statement mourning the heartbreaking fatalities.
Confirming the tragic incident, the Oyo State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, noted that the state government had responded to the situation of the stampede at the private children’s funfair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some injured in the early hours of yesterday.
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Oyelade said: “The state government swiftly mobilised 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.
“The hospitals where the injured were rushed to include Patnas Hospital, Basorun, Western Hospital, Basorun, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, University College Hospital.”
According to information gathered, some of the injured children had reportedly been confirmed dead on arrival at some of the hospitals while doctors were still battling to save others.
