The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, South-West Zone, has called for increased oversight and enforcement of safety standards at public events.

 The association’s South-West Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, made the call in a statement in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday following Wednesday’s stampede at a children’s funfair.

 Recall that 35 children died in the stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the venue of the funfair.

 Ms Odigbo also called for mandatory safety audits and emergency response plans.

 She urged relevant authorities to conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the root causes of the tragedy.

 Ms Odigbo added that the organisers should be held accountable and prosecuted for gross negligence and endangerment of lives.

 According to her, the families of the deceased children must be adequately compensated, while medical and psychological support must be provided to affected victims.

She emphasises the incident should serve as a wake-up call for meaningful reform in the planning, regulation, and execution of public events in Nigeria.

The coordinator noted that the safety and lives of citizens, especially children, must never be compromised by negligence.

 “To the grieving families, we extend our deepest condolences. As an organisation, ASOHON stands with you in this difficult time. This preventable tragedy should ignite transformative changes in event management and public safety standards. We must honour the lives lost by ensuring no family endures such a devastating loss again. Let this moment drive accountability, reform, and the prioritisation of safety in all public events,” Ms Odigbo said.

(NAN)