Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

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

A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 kids and seriously hurt 6 others, authorities stated on Thursday.

The injured kids were getting medical attention following the incident, which occurred on Wednesday in Nigeria’s third-largest city, Oyo State Police Command stated.

“8 individuals have actually because been arrested for their numerous involvements”, authorities representative Adewale Osifeso stated in a statement.

Among those apprehended 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 statement “expressed extensive sadness over the terrible event”.

He used his “heartfelt condolences” to residents, state authorities and the “grieving households who have lost their cherished kids”.

He advised the “Oyo State federal government to take every required procedure to avoid such a disaster from reoccurring”, the statement by the presidency added.

“Among the vital actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ precaution, strict enforcement of security guidelines, and routine security audits of event locations,” Tinubu included.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen several fatal stampedes in current months.

In March, two and 23 were harmed after being crushed as thousands collected for free bags of rice given out by local authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.

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

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pushed to acquire the cash, triggering a stampede, as Nigeria grappled with its worst financial crisis in a generation.

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

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

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