In light of the heartbreaking stampede tragedy that claimed the lives of over 30 children at a funfair in Ibadan, the South East chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the cancellation of a birthday celebration planned for Oyo State Governor, Chief Abiodun Makinde, in Ebonyi.
The cancellation comes as a mark of respect and mourning for the victims of the tragic incident, which occurred at a children's funfair at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. The devastating stampede also left several children critically injured, with many still receiving medical treatment.
In response to the tragedy, the PDP leadership decided to call off the planned birthday celebration in Ebonyi, expressing solidarity with the grieving families and the people of Ibadan. The party emphasized that the loss of young lives had deeply affected not only the local community but the entire state and the nation at large.
Governor Makinde, who was deeply shaken by the news, has publicly expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The cancellation of the birthday celebration reflects the party’s decision to prioritize the well being and emotional support of those affected by the disaster over any festive occasion.
The PDP South East chapter has vowed to focus on offering support to the victims’ families and ensuring that necessary actions are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. The decision underscores the gravity of the situation, as the party stands in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time.
The cancellation of the celebration also signals a broader recognition of the need for national unity and empathy in the face of tragedy. The incident has sparked widespread calls for better crowd control measures and safety protocols at public events, especially those involving children.
As investigations into the stampede continue, the people of Ibadan, along with the PDP and other stakeholders, are left to grapple with the grief and loss brought on by this preventable disaster. The focus now is on supporting the affected families, offering condolences, and ensuring that proper measures are put in place to safeguard against future tragedies.