CITIZENS COMPASS – Oyo State Government on Wednesday, arrested the organisers of a funfair which turned into a stampede killing many children in the State.
The incident occurred at the Islamic High School in the Basorun area.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed the arrest in a statement via his X Handle.
“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is a very sad day,” Makinde said.
“We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths,” he added.
Nigeria’s national emergency services said it deployed a team to help provide assistance to the victims.
Injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Parents and guardians have besieged the hospitals to identify their children.
Video footage that appeared to be from the scene showed a large crowd of mostly children looking on as some children were being carried away from an open field.
It was gathered that the organizers of the event were Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, which held a similar event for children last year.
The group was preparing to host about 5,000 young people at this year’s event, the Oyo-based Agidigbo FM radio station reported on Tuesday, citing the organizers who had featured on its program. Children “will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts,” they said.
An investigation has been opened into the causes of the stampede, Makinde said, adding “anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.”
