A-yet-to-be ascertain number of children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Wednesday.
However, PUNCH Online gathered that over 30 children lost their lives with many injured during the incident.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH investigation revealed that the stampede occurred as attendees, primarily children, attempted to break through the main gate of the school.
It was reported that the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up, exacerbating the situation.
Multiple sources indicated that some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue in anticipation of the event.
An administrative officer at Patnas Hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, told our correspondent that six children were brought to the hospital around 8am.
Tolulope added that four of them were confirmed dead while two are receiving treatment.
He said, “The affected children were brought in some minutes after 8am. Six children were brought into the hospital out of which four died while the other two are recuperating.
“We were told that the deceased fainted at the venue of the event. We were able to rescue two while the remaining four died.
“One of the surviving children has been discharged and released to her parents while the other one is recuperating. He is stable. I just fed him. He will soon be discharged.”
A parent of one of the deceased children, visibly distraught at the hospital, lamented, “I did not imagine this would happen. We were together yesterday, not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter cannot be dead. Doctor, please wake her up.”
Ibadan
Other parents, who preferred to remain anonymous, called on the government to ensure the swift release of their children’s bodies from the hospitals.
At Molly Hospital, Idi-Ape, and Western Hospital, Basorun, our correspondent was denied access by security guards who insisted that no victims were admitted.
However, several parents were seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan, mourning the loss of their children.
At the time of filing this report, the exact number of victims admitted to UCH could not be confirmed.
