Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Kogi Governor Advocates Better Crowd Control
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has extended his condolences to the people and government of Oyo State following a tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a youth festival on Wednesday.
In a statement released by his special adviser, Ismail Isah, in the early hours of Friday, Ododo expressed profound grief over the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to the families and communities affected. He also emphasized the need for improved crowd control measures and emergency response protocols, particularly during events that draw large gatherings, especially during the festive season.
“I want to express my deepest sympathy to the government and people of Oyo State for the tragic loss of young, promising Nigerians in this stampede,” Ododo said. “It is heartbreaking that what should have been a joyful festive event turned into a nightmare of grief and pain.”
The governor highlighted the anguish of parents, particularly mothers, who were left shattered by the loss of their children. He commended the emergency services for their efforts but stressed the urgency of addressing gaps in event planning and crowd management to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The stampede occurred when over 5,000 young people gathered at a high school in Ibadan for a festive celebration. Reports suggest that inadequate planning and crowd control led to the chaos that ended in the tragic loss of lives.
Governor Ododo called on authorities across Nigeria to learn from this tragedy and implement robust measures to ensure the safety of citizens at large-scale events. He also underscored the need for proactive strategies to address emergency situations swiftly and effectively.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide mourning, with prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, expressing their condolences and calling for thorough investigations. Governor Ododo joined these voices, urging accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure public safety.
“This incident is a painful reminder of the need for vigilance and responsibility in organizing events,” he added. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the victims, and we stand in solidarity with Oyo State in this time of sorrow.”
The Ibadan tragedy is the latest in a series of crowd-related disasters in Nigeria, drawing attention to the urgent need for improved event planning, security protocols, and emergency response mechanisms nationwide.
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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Kogi Governor Advocates Better Crowd