Atiku Reacts to Ibadan Tragedy That Claimed 35 Lives: “How Do We Tell Nearly Three Dozen Parents?”

• Atiku Abubakar has expressed grief over the tragic stampede at a funfair held in Ibadan, which reportedly claimed 35 lives
• The Oyo state police command confirmed seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic incident
• In a heartfelt message shared on his social media page, Atiku described the incident as "heartbreaking" and extended his condolences to the families of the victims

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria and ex-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reacted to the children’s funfair, which turned tragic at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, claiming many lives and leaving others injured.

Legit.ng reported that the Oyo state police confirmed that 35 minors have died, with seven suspects arrested for their roles in the disaster.

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Ibadan funfair tragedy: “How I was trapped with my baby,” Witness recounts as death toll hits 35

Reacting, Atiku, in a post shared on his X page, on Thursday, December 19, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

He described the incident as "heartbreaking" and prayed for the families of the victims.

Speaking further, Atiku reflected on the loss, questioning how to explain to parents that their children, who had excitedly set off for a holiday funfair, would never return home, even for Christmas.

The former VP tweeted:

"How do we tell nearly three dozen parents and wards that the children they saw off with excitement to a holiday funfair in Ibadan will not be returning home, not even late for Christmas? I am heartbroken, like millions of our citizens, over the tragedy that befell children who only wanted to have some fun after the rigours of the school term had come to an end. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have had their beautiful flowers plucked from them so early in the day.

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"I pray that Almighty God provides comfort to all affected families and friends and heals the injured. My deepest condolences also go to the government and people of Oyo State. May the beautiful souls of the deceased rest in peace. -AA

Read more about Ibadan funfair tragedy:

• Ibadan funfair tragedy: Agidigbo FM chairman hospitalised, unconscious after children’s event
• Ibadan funfair tragedy: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 35, “We must uncover the truth”

Ibadan tragedy: Olubadan sends message to Makinde

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has reacted to the death of over 30 children at the Ibadan funfair.

Oba Olakulehin urged Governor Seyi Makinde to conduct a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.

The traditional ruler said the investigation was necessary to prevent future occurrences and hold the culprits accountable.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng