Organisers arrested as many children die in Ibadan funfair stampede

The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrest of the organisers of the children’s funfair where several deaths and injuries were recorded on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, made this known during his visit to Adeoyo State Hospital in Ibadan, the state capital, to sympathise with the victims on Wednesday.

Several persons, mostly children, were feared dead while many others were injured during a children’s carnival at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan.

The deputy governor said it was disheartening that the funfair’s organisers failed to inform security agencies about the event knowing that many residents would be eager to attend.

“We are not exonerating anybody connected to this incident, but the government is awaiting the report of the security agencies and we have given a timeline to know the next line of action,” Lawal said.

Lawal however urged the people of the state to be careful of the kind of event they attend during this Yuletide season.

The Oyo State Government had earlier disclosed that the victims were taken to five hospitals in Ibadan, including Adeoyo State Hospital and the University College Hospital (UCH).

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It was gathered that most of the victims and their parents gathered at the carnival’s venue as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Several others arrived late Tuesday to be among the first to benefit at the funfair which had promised a free distribution of food items.

On the actual figure of casualties, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

“Investigation is in progress. Updates would be provided accordingly,” Osifeso said.

However, it was further learnt that no fewer than 20 dead bodies were brought to Adeoyo State Hospital from the carnival venue.

Several other victims were also seen receiving treatment.

Speaking, a parent who came to pick the corpse of his eight-year-old child, Idowu Muiz, blamed the incident on the current economic hardship in the country.

Muiz said the hardship led him to allow his family members to attend the funfair.

Several other parents were seen at the hospital weeping over the death of their children.

The Star