Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photo shows a basic view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the occurrence happened

A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has eliminated 35 kids and seriously hurt six others, authorities stated on Thursday.

The injured children were receiving medical attention following the incident, which took place on Wednesday in Nigeria’s third-largest city, Oyo State Police Command stated.

“8 persons have actually because been jailed for their various involvements”, cops spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a declaration.

Among those apprehended was the main sponsor of the occasion 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 opened a probe, Osifeso included.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a declaration “expressed profound unhappiness over the terrible occurrence”.

He used his “heartfelt condolences” to residents, state authorities and the “mourning families who have lost their beloved children”.

He advised the “Oyo State federal government to take every necessary procedure to avoid such a disaster from persisting”, the declaration by the presidency added.

“Among the vital actions are an extensive evaluation of all public events’ precaution, stringent enforcement of security regulations, and routine security audits of event places,” Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has seen several deadly stampedes in current months.

In March, 2 trainees passed away and 23 were hurt after being squashed as thousands gathered totally free bags of rice handed out by local authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.

Later that month, another stampede killed four ladies who had actually been waiting outside the office of a rich business person in the northern city of Bauchi to gather 5,000 naira ($3.40) money gifts to assist spend for food throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses said members of the crowd pressed to acquire the money, triggering a stampede, as came to grips with its worst economic crisis in a generation.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had shared his acknowledgements for the Ibadan victims on X on Wednesday.

“Our hearts stay with the families and loved ones affected by this disaster. May the souls of the left rest in peace,” Makinde said.

“We sympathise with the parents whose happiness has actually suddenly been turned to grieving due to these deaths,” he included.