Nigeria School Fair Stampede Kills 35 Children

This aerial photograph shows a general view of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria, where the event occurred

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

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

« 8 individuals have actually because been detained for their various involvements », authorities spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said in a statement.

Among those detained was the main 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 added.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in a declaration « expressed profound sadness over the tragic occurrence ».

He offered his « wholehearted acknowledgements » to residents, state authorities and the « mourning families who have actually lost their cherished kids ».

He advised the « Oyo State federal government to take every required measure to avoid such a catastrophe from returning », the declaration by the presidency included.

« Among the vital actions are an extensive review of all public events’ security steps, stringent enforcement of safety regulations, and routine safety audits of occasion locations, » Tinubu added.

– ‘Rest in peace’ –

Nigeria has actually seen several fatal stampedes in current months.

In March, two trainees died and 23 were hurt after being squashed as thousands gathered for free bags of rice distributed by local authorities at Nasarawa State University, in central Nigeria.

Later that month, another stampede killed 4 women who had actually been waiting outside the workplace 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 said members of the crowd pushed to get hold of the cash, triggering a stampede, as Nigeria grappled with its worst recession in a generation.

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

« Our hearts remain with the households and loved ones impacted by this disaster. May the souls of the left rest in peace, » Makinde stated.

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