The Oyo State Government said that it was not involved in the planning of the event.
Many children reportedly died in a stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.
In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the incident occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School.
Mr Oyelade noted that a rapid response was made by the government following the incident.
Noting that the government was not involved in the planning of the event, Mr Oyelade said it would do its best in supporting the victims.
“The government was not involved in any planning, nor was the ministry of health asked to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair,” the statement noted.
It added, “The state government will do all it can to support the victims of this tragic incident during this difficult period.”
The commissioner further noted that the government awaits a detailed report from the commissioner of police on the unfortunate incident.
He sympathised with victims of families, urging parents as well as organisers of any events to prioritise coordination to ensure safety of participants.
“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where affected children have been taken for proper medical care, with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”
