The tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a festive party at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, has sparked outrage and deep sorrow, with the Southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pointing fingers at the harsh economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at a free Christmas funfair for children, where the large turnout overwhelmed the event organizers, resulting in chaos that led to the loss of young lives and left several others injured. Families in Ibadan are grappling with the devastation as they mourn their children, and many Nigerians are left questioning the underlying factors behind such an avoidable tragedy.
In a statement released on Friday from Ado Ekiti, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the Southwest, expressed the party’s condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the grieving families, and the people of Oyo State. While commending the quick response of the Oyo State Government in rescuing some injured children and initiating an investigation into the incident, Atofarati didn’t shy away from holding the Federal Government accountable.
“The stampede was a painful reflection of the poverty and economic hardship ravaging families across the nation,” the statement read. Atofarati further highlighted that many families, unable to afford festive outings for their children due to the harsh economic realities, turned to free events like the one in Ibadan. This desperation, he argued, underscored the urgency for the Federal Government to prioritize measures that improve the standard of living and provide sustainable jobs for parents.
The PDP called for immediate actions to mitigate the pervasive poverty gripping Nigerian households, emphasizing that a robust economy is key to preventing such tragedies. “We pray for God’s comfort for the bereaved families and urge the Federal Government to ensure that no family has to endure such heartbreak again,” Atofarati added.
The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has promised to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the cause of the tragedy and ensuring justice for the affected families. While the state’s prompt intervention and rescue efforts are lauded, the ripple effects of the event continue to draw attention to the mounting challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
The Ibadan stampede has become a grim reminder of the growing socioeconomic divide, leaving citizens to question how much longer vulnerable families will have to bear the brunt of systemic failures. For now, the nation mourns as it awaits answers and meaningful change.
