By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
No fewer than 23 children were trampled in a poverty-driven rush for relief package organised by a radio station located in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The painful incidence took place at Bashorun area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
The State Governor has expressed his condolences in an incidence that should have been prevented in the first place.
Official responses were weak and late in coming making it difficult to provide first aid services to the children.
An official of AMI-WEST a security outfit in the South West States, Captain (rtd) David Akinsola said the lack of prompt and immediate response from disaster management offices led to increase in the number of deaths.
“The responses were very poor. We expected the state government to have taken pro-active measures. The radio station broadcasted the event. The Government should have stopped the event because it was certain that thousands of people would rush for the goodies promised by the radio station. Even after the incidence, the response was very weak,” the said
Akinsola said lack of immediate access to medicare may have been responsible for the increase in the number of casualties.
According to the state information Commissioner in a statement made available to Irohinoodua “A stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.”
He spoke further that the State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.
According to him victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.
He said “Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
“The medical facilities are Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist HospitalUniversity College Hospital (UCH).”
The State Governor Seyi Makinde,
“Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries”.
He said “This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue.We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue.
“The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.”
