35 children killed at fair in Nigeria

Thirty-five children were killed and six others were taken to hospital in a crush at a fair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan, police said.

The event was advertised as free entry and attracted a large crowd, but so many people showed up that a crush ensued as they struggled to gain entry.

Local residents said over 5,000 children had gathered at the venue and there was a crush when the main organizers arrived to inaugurate the event.

The sequence of events leading to the collision was not disclosed.

Police say they have arrested eight people behind the event, including main organizer Naomi Silekunola, a well-known figure in the city.

The Oyo State government said the victims were taken to hospitals across Ibadan for treatment following the clash at the Islamic High School in Bashorun local government area.

There were “several fatalities and injuries,” it said.

Authorities have urged parents concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check with the city’s hospitals.