Ibadan stampede: Tinubu expresses anguish over funfair tragedy, demands thorough investigation

President Bola Tinubu has expressed anguish over the devastating  Ibadan stampede at children’s funfair, demanding thorough investigation.

Tinubu, through a State House press release signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, expressed his sadness.

The press release was titled: ” President Tinubu expresses deep anguish over Ibadan funfair tragedy and demands thorough investigation.

The statement read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident at the Children’s Funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many injured.

“The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly.

“He emphasizes that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

“Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu calls on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.

“He stresses the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount.

“No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” the statement concluded.

What happened earlier?

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), gathered that the funfair, which was organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan left over 30 children dead and many injured, on Wednesday.

According to eyewitness accounts compiled by PUNCH Metro, the Ibadan stampede occurred when participants attempted to gain entry to the event venue in a disorderly manner.

Also, investigations conducted revealed that the victims lost their lives in a stampede while attempting to force their way through the main gate of the school.

Further investigation also revealed that arrangements was made to accommodate 5,000 children, but the actual number of attendees exceeded 7,500.

It was further gathered that provision was made for 5,000 children but the number that turned up for the event was reportedly over 7, 500.

Reportedly, the Ibadan stampede took place at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Oyo State.

Know about Ilorin Sallah stampede 

Eleven years earlier, a tragic stampede took place at the residence of Senator Bukola Saraki in Ilorin, Nigeria, on October 16, 2013.

Reportedly, this stampede claimed the lives of 20 individuals and leaving several others severely injured.

Background

The late Alhaji Abubakar Olusola Saraki, father of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was renowned for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, where he generously distributed food, clothing, and financial assistance to the underprivileged.

Following the death of Olusola Saraki, his son Bukola Saraki continued his father’s philanthropic tradition of providing for the needy in Kwara on every Sallah day.

According to Saraki, the act was aimed at offering relief to the underprivileged, including widows, the aged, and the poor, by distributing food, clothing, and financial assistance for the people Kwara.

Previous incidents

Unfortunately, this incident was not the first of its kind at Senator Saraki’s residence.

Previous events, including a campaign rally on November 17, 2010, and an inauguration ceremony on May 27, 2011, had also resulted in tragic losses of life, with 11 and 25 fatalities reported, respectively.

Response

In response to allegations that crowd misbehavior contributed to the deaths, a spokesperson assured that steps will be taken to improve the gift distribution process.

Ever since then, this commitment has been upheld.

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