Chief Mrs. Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, the former First Lady of Oyo State, has expressed sorrow and extended her condolences to the Oyo State Government, parents, and families of children who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Mrs. Ladoja described the incident as a heartbreaking and avoidable tragedy, noting that it is a dark moment for the state and all those affected. She empathized with the parents and families grieving the loss of their loved ones, as well as those tending to injured children still fighting for recovery.
“My heart bleeds for the parents and guardians whose children were taken away in such a painful and untimely manner. No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child under such circumstances. I also extend my prayers to the injured children and their families for swift healing,” she said.
Ladoja commended the State government, particularly the governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt response in activating emergency services and also health workers who worked tirelessly to save lives and provide care for the injured. She also urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the stampede and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
“As we mourn this tragic loss, let us also focus on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future by prioritizing safety, particularly in events involving children. It is crucial to uphold the sanctity of life in all aspects of our public engagements,” she added.
She called on the Oyo State Government and well-meaning individuals to provide adequate support to the affected families to help them navigate this difficult period.
Chief Mrs. Ladoja prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed children and divine comfort for the grieving families, while urging the public to keep the affected families in their thoughts and prayers.
