Makinde deploys rapid response team as Deputy Gov visits recuperating victims ..Urges parents to prioritize safety of their wards

Following a stampede at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School that resulted in the deaths of primarily children and the injuries of a few others in the early hours of Wednesday, the Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has expressed its sorrow over the tragic deaths at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.

The Deputy Governor later made a condolence visit to several hospitals where the injured victims are being treated after the State Government had quickly organised a fast response team in reaction to the disaster.

Prior to visiting UCH, Adeoyo, and Patnas Specialist Hospital, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal conducted an inspection at the Bashorun Islamic High School, the scene of the event.

While addressing newsmen, the Deputy Governor disclosed that victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

He advised parents to always put their children’s safety first and stated that the State Government would do everything within its power to support the victims during this difficult time.

Despite expecting over 10,000 people, Barr. Lawal said he had reliably gathered that no security agencies were informed about the program or any slight security arrangements.

He clarified that the State Government was not involved in any of the planning and that the Ministry of Health was not asked to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-year funfair.

He added that the lack of security presence was as a result of the stampede, noting that Oyo state government is digging deep to ensure that the organizers of the event are accountable.

The Deputy Governor said: “The important thing for the member of the public is that Oyo state government did not know anything about the organization of the private children fun-fair. And from the immediate enquiries that I have made, the security agencies like the police, DSS, Amotekun, Army, among others, said that they were not contacted. But the resultant effect of this very careless act is due to the death that we have recorded unfortunately.

“I have directed the commissioner of police to invite individuals that are being mentioned and they are already doing so as we speak. During the course of investigation, a particular queen’s name was also mentioned and we urged her to report herself to the police immediately.

“If you want to embark on an event, you must be able to foresee the likely consequences when certain steps are not taking. So, the principle of possibility should come in, and if people are so careless, negligent, in handling issues like this, then they must be held accountable.

“As a government, we would be responsive and responsible to our citizens in Oyo state, and this is one instance that government are robustly tackling the challenge. As we speak, we are still collating report, but all the victims will not go unattended to.”

However, the Deputy Governor commiserated with the families impacted by this tragedy and urged everyone to maintain composure and cooperation while pertinent information is gathered and the required assistance is set up for the victims.