By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to the tragic stampede that occurred at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, expressing his deep sorrow over the incident.
He called for a thorough investigation into the event to uncover any negligence or deliberate actions that might have led to the tragedy.
The stampede, which happened on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, resulted in multiple casualties and injuries at the Islamic High School Basorun, where the carnival was taking place.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president sympathised with the families that lost their children during the stampede.
The statement reads in part: “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.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.
“Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.”
The president also called on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.
He noted the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the safety of all participants.
“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” he added.
