President Tinubu mourns Ibadan funfair tragedy, orders swift investigation into children’s deaths

P President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep anguish over the devastating tragedy at the Children’s FunFair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of many young lives and left several others injured.

The incident, which occurred during a festive gathering, has cast a pall of grief over Oyo State and the entire nation.

In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the families affected, saying, “The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.”

Expressing his solidarity with the bereaved families, President Tinubu offered prayers for peace and solace, stating, “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 President has called for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, stressing that accountability is non-negotiable. “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,” the statement read.

To prevent a recurrence, President Tinubu urged the Oyo State Government to prioritize safety measures for public events. He called for a comprehensive review of safety regulations, stating: “The Oyo State Government must take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring, including strict enforcement of safety regulations and regular safety audits of event venues.”

The president also reminded event organizers of their duty to ensure attendee safety, particularly for children, insisting that “Our children's safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”

This tragic event has highlighted the urgent need for better safety protocols at public gatherings, and the nation now awaits the findings of the investigation as well as measures to ensure such a catastrophe never happens again.