President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident at the children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the death of 35 persons.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, the president called for a “thorough” inquiry to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the stampede.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.
