Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photo shows a basic view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the occurrence took place

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

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

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

Among those apprehended was the main sponsor of the occasion 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 « revealed extensive sadness over the terrible occurrence ».

He used his « genuine acknowledgements » to residents, state authorities and the « mourning households who have actually lost their precious kids ».

He urged the « Oyo State federal government to take every necessary step to prevent such a disaster from repeating », the declaration by the presidency included.

« Among the vital actions are a thorough review of all public occasions’ security steps, stringent enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event places, » Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen numerous deadly stampedes in current months.

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

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

Witnesses stated members of the crowd pushed to acquire the cash, triggering a stampede, as Nigeria grappled with its worst recession in a generation.

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

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

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