Tinubu, Atiku, Ooni, others mourn Ibadan stampede victims, demand Probe

A day after the tragic incident, 35 minors have been confirmed dead in a stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, the state capital.

The President in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State and, most importantly, to the grieving families who have lost their children in the unfortunate event.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly,” the statement read.

“The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.”

Tinubu highlighted that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

“How do we tell nearly three dozen parents and wards that the children they saw off with excitement to a holiday funfair in Ibadan will not be returning home, not even late for Christmas?”former vice president Atiku Abubakar said.

“I am heartbroken, like millions of our citizens, over the tragedy that befell children who only wanted to have some fun after the rigours of the school term had come to an end. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have had their beautiful flowers plucked from them so early in the day.

“I pray that Almighty God provides comfort to all affected families and friends and heals the injured. My deepest condolences also go to the government and people of Oyo State. May the beautiful souls of the deceased rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children whose lives were lost at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time,” the monarch’s spokesman Moses Olafare said in a statement on Thursday.