The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones in a stampede that claimed the lives of no less than 20 children at the Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, on Wednesday.
The governor, who described the incident as tragic, said Wednesday was a sad day for Oyo State.
“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. 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,” the governor wrote on X.
The Guardian had earlier reported how many children were trampled in a stampede during a Christmas celebration in Ibadan and were rushed to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH) to receive medical attention.
Some sources reported that some children were already dead before they were taken to UCH.
The state governor said that the state government had taken measures to avert the occurrence of further casualties.
READ ALSO: Stampede at Ibadan Christmas event leaves over 20 children dead
He said, “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.”
He also assured Oyo residents that the people directly involved in the mishap will be held accountable and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody. I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident,” he said. “Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
