Twenty children are feared dead in a stampede at a Christmas celebration in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The PUNCH reports that the incident, which allegedly occurred during a Christmas celebration organized by popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat at his radio station, was later denied by the organizers.
The stampede took place at the Islamic High School, Basorun, during a family event, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries at the Children’s Funfair, according to reports.
The event, which had promised gifts to attendees, was held at the venue in Ibadan but turned tragic when a stampede broke out, causing chaos and leading to the deaths of numerous children.
The event was immediately halted, and attendees were escorted out of the venue.
In addition to the fatalities, several children were rushed to the University of Ibadan College Hospital, where medical staff are working to save them.
While Agidigbo’s radio station had denied organising the event to provide gifts to children during the Christmas season, Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying it was a “very sad day” for Oyo State.
The state government sympathised with the parents who had their joy turned to mourning due to the sudden loss of their loved ones.
To prevent further casualties, Governor Makinde deployed security agents to restore order at the venue while medical personnel and ambulances were also dispatched to provide emergency care to those injured.
Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said that the state government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.
The commissioner disclosed that victims were swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for prompt medical attention.
