Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photograph 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 actually eliminated 35 kids and seriously injured 6 others, authorities stated on Thursday.

The hurt kids were receiving medical attention following the event, which took place on Wednesday in Nigeria’s third-largest city, Oyo State Police Command said.

“8 individuals have actually because been arrested for their different involvements”, cops spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a declaration.

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 actually opened a probe, Osifeso included.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a statement “expressed extensive sadness over the awful occurrence”.

He offered his “genuine condolences” to residents, state authorities and the “mourning households who have actually lost their precious children”.

He prompted the “Oyo State federal government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a catastrophe from reoccurring”, the statement by the presidency added.

“Among the vital actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ security steps, rigorous enforcement of safety policies, and regular safety audits of occasion places,” Tinubu included.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has seen numerous deadly stampedes in recent months.

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

Later that month, another stampede killed four women who had been waiting outside the office of a rich businessman in the city of Bauchi to gather 5,000 naira ($3.40) cash presents to help spend for food throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pushed to acquire the money, causing a stampede, as Nigeria faced its worst recession 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 households and enjoyed ones impacted by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Makinde said.

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