Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate stampede incident which on Wednesday claimed the lives 35 children at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.
Governor Ododo in a statement on Friday said he was saddened by the stampede incident at a gathering to mark the festive season.
The governor also expressed sympathy to the families of children killed in the stampede, especially women who were visibly horrified by the loss of their loved ones.
“I want to express my deep sympathy for the government and people of Oyo State where the unfortunate stampede claimed the lives of several young and promising Nigerians.
“I am saddened that the lives of these promising young Nigerians have been cut short in a stampede at a ceremony in which they were meant to feel the joy of the festive season in Ibadan.
“The death of these children have now brought pain and anguish to families especially mothers who were seen crying after emergency services had pulled out bodies from the scene of the incident.
“Our prayers are with families who lost their loved ones and the government and people of Oyo state in this trying moment,” Ododo said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on media, Ismaila Isah.
The governor then called for improvement in crowd control and emergency response in areas where large crowds are unavoidable, especially in this festive season.
Over 5,000 children were said to have gathered at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun Ibadan, venue of a youth carnival when the stampede occurred on Wednesday.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
