Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photo reveals a basic view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the event occurred

A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has actually eliminated 35 children and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday.

The hurt children were getting medical attention following the incident, which took place on Wednesday in Nigeria’s city, Oyo State Police Command stated.

“8 individuals have because been apprehended for their different participations”, police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a declaration.

Among those detained was the primary 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 opened a probe, Osifeso included.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a declaration “revealed profound unhappiness over the tragic event”.

He used his “sincere condolences” to residents, state authorities and the “mourning families who have lost their precious kids”.

He prompted the “Oyo State government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a catastrophe from returning”, the statement by the presidency added.

“Among the important actions are an extensive evaluation of all public occasions’ security measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and routine security audits of event locations,” Tinubu included.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen a number of deadly stampedes in recent months.

In March, two students passed away and 23 were hurt after being squashed as thousands gathered totally free bags of rice given out by regional authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.

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

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pushed to get hold of the cash, causing a stampede, as Nigeria came to grips with its worst recession in a generation.

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

“Our hearts remain with the families and liked ones impacted by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Makinde stated.

“We sympathise with the moms and dads whose happiness has actually unexpectedly been turned to grieving due to these deaths,” he added.