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 actually killed 35 kids and seriously hurt six others, cops said on Thursday.

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

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

Among those detained 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.

Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a statement « revealed extensive unhappiness over the tragic event ».

He offered his « wholehearted condolences » to residents, state authorities and the « grieving households who have actually lost their beloved children ».

He advised the « Oyo State federal government to take every essential procedure to avoid such a disaster from reoccurring », the statement by the presidency added.

« Among the important actions are a comprehensive evaluation of all public events’ precaution, rigorous enforcement of security guidelines, and routine safety audits of event locations, » Tinubu included.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has seen several fatal stampedes in recent months.

In March, two trainees passed away and 23 were harmed after being squashed as thousands gathered totally free bags of rice handed out by local authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.

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

Witnesses said members of the crowd pushed to get hold of the money, causing a stampede, as Nigeria grappled with 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 stay with the families and enjoyed ones affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the left rest in peace, » Makinde said.

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