Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photo reveals a general view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the occurrence took place

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

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

“8 individuals have actually since been arrested for their various participations”, police representative Adewale Osifeso said in a statement.

Among those apprehended was the primary 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 added.

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

He provided his “wholehearted condolences” to locals, state authorities and the “grieving households who have actually lost their beloved kids”.

He prompted the “Oyo State federal government to take every required measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring”, the statement by the presidency included.

“Among the essential actions are a detailed evaluation of all public occasions’ precaution, strict enforcement of safety policies, and regular security audits of event locations,” Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen several deadly stampedes in recent months.

In March, 2 trainees passed away and 23 were harmed after being squashed as thousands gathered free of charge bags of rice handed out by regional authorities at Nasarawa State University, in main Nigeria.

Later that month, another stampede killed 4 ladies who had been waiting outside the workplace of a rich business person in the northern city of Bauchi to collect 5,000 naira ($3.40) cash presents to assist pay for food during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pressed to acquire the cash, causing a stampede, as Nigeria came to grips with its worst economic crisis in a generation.

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

“Our hearts stay with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Makinde stated.

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