Many other children were also injured during the incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the stampede occurred at the private children’s funfair, held at Basorun Islamic High School.
Oyelade said the state government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the incident.
The commissioner noted that thevictims have been immediately transported to various hospitals within Ibadan, the state capital for medical attention.
Oyelade expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to provide assistance at the scene of the incident.
According to him, “The state government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.
“The government was not involved in any of the planning, neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.”
But the commissioner emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.
Oyelade indicated that they were currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.
He added, “Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification.
“Patnas Hospital, Basorun: Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”
Oyelade extended the government’s sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, urging the public to remain calm as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.
The stampede reportedly occurred as attendees, primarily children, attempted to break through the main gate of the school.
The event was said to have initially been planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up, compounding the situation.
It was also gathered that some children and parents had kept vigil at the venue in anticipation of the event.
At Patnas Hospital, it was learnt that six children were brought to the hospital around 8am, and four of them were confirmed dead while two others are receiving treatment.
A parent of one of the deceased children, was observed crying sorrowfully.
Other parents, who preferred to remain anonymous, appealed to the government to ensure the quick release of their children’s corpses from the hospitals.
Several parents were also seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan, mourning the loss of their children.