Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial picture reveals a general view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the occurrence occurred

A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has eliminated 35 children and seriously injured 6 others, police stated on Thursday.

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

«8 persons have given that been apprehended for their numerous involvements», authorities spokesperson Osifeso stated in a declaration.

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

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a statement «expressed extensive unhappiness over the awful incident».

He provided his «heartfelt acknowledgements» to locals, state authorities and the «grieving households who have actually lost their beloved children».

He advised the «Oyo State government to take every essential measure to avoid such a catastrophe from returning», the declaration by the presidency included.

«Among the important actions are a detailed review of all public events’ security measures, strict enforcement of safety policies, and regular security audits of occasion venues,» Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen several lethal stampedes in recent months.

In March, two trainees passed away and 23 were harmed after being crushed as thousands gathered for totally free bags of rice given out by regional authorities at Nasarawa State University, in main Nigeria.

Later that month, another stampede killed 4 females who had actually been waiting outside the workplace of a wealthy business person in the northern city of Bauchi to collect 5,000 naira ($3.40) cash gifts to help spend for food during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pushed to get hold of the cash, causing a stampede, as Nigeria faced its worst financial crisis in a generation.

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

«Our hearts remain with the families and enjoyed ones impacted by this catastrophe. May the souls of the left rest in peace,» Makinde stated.

«We sympathise with the parents whose pleasure has unexpectedly been turned to grieving due to these deaths,» he included.