Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children
This aerial picture reveals a general view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the event took place
A at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has eliminated 35 children and seriously injured 6 others, authorities said on Thursday.
The hurt kids were getting medical attention following the event, which took place on Wednesday in Nigeria’s third-largest city, Oyo State Police Command said.
“8 individuals have actually considering that been apprehended for their numerous participations”, authorities spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a declaration.
Among those detained was the main sponsor of the event at the Basorun Islamic High School, which was arranged by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM radio.
The Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department has actually opened a probe, Osifeso added.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a declaration “revealed extensive sadness over the terrible incident”.
He used his “wholehearted condolences” to locals, state authorities and the “grieving families who have actually lost their beloved kids”.
He urged the “Oyo State government to take every needed measure to avoid such a disaster from returning”, the statement by the presidency added.
“Among the important actions are a detailed review of all public events’ security measures, strict enforcement of security policies, and regular security audits of event places,” Tinubu added.
– ‘Rest in peace’ –
Nigeria has actually seen a number of fatal stampedes in current months.
In March, 2 trainees died and 23 were hurt after being crushed as thousands collected totally free bags of rice given out by regional authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.
Later that month, another stampede killed 4 ladies who had actually been waiting outside the office of a wealthy business person in the northern city of Bauchi to gather 5,000 naira ($3.40) cash gifts to help pay for food during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Witnesses said members of the crowd pressed to get hold of the cash, triggering a stampede, as Nigeria faced its worst financial crisis in a generation.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had shared his condolences for the Ibadan victims on X on Wednesday.
“Our hearts stay with the households and liked ones affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the left rest in peace,” Makinde said.
“We sympathise with the moms and dads whose delight has actually suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths,” he added.
