Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photo shows a basic view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the incident occurred

A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has actually eliminated 35 children and seriously injured six others, authorities said 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 said.

«8 individuals have actually because been detained for their various involvements», police representative Adewale Osifeso said in a declaration.

Among those apprehended was the primary sponsor of the event at the Basorun Islamic High School, which was organised 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 terrible event».

He used his «genuine condolences» to locals, state authorities and the «mourning families who have lost their precious kids».

He advised the «Oyo State federal government to take every needed procedure to prevent such a disaster from persisting», the declaration by the presidency included.

«Among the important actions are a thorough review of all public events’ precaution, stringent enforcement of security policies, and routine safety audits of event venues,» Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has seen several deadly stampedes in recent months.

In March, 2 trainees passed away and 23 were harmed after being crushed as thousands gathered for totally free bags of rice given out by local authorities at State University, in central Nigeria.

Later that month, another stampede killed four females who had been waiting outside the office of a wealthy business owner in the northern city of Bauchi to gather 5,000 naira ($3.40) money presents to help pay for food throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses said members of the crowd pushed to get hold of the cash, causing a stampede, as Nigeria came to grips with its worst recession in a generation.

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

«Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones affected by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,» Makinde said.

«We sympathise with the moms and dads whose delight has actually unexpectedly been turned to mourning due to these deaths,» he included.