Stampede Deaths: Oyo Govt Warns Against Unregulated Valentine’s Day Celebrations

To avert a repeat of the stampede from a holiday funfair that took the lives of 35 children in the state, the Oyo State government has issued a stern warning to corporate bodies, event planners and anyone planning grandiose celebrations in respect of St. Valentine’s Day to ensure they adhere to the state’s laid down rules and regulations.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan, noted that many broadcast stations have been airing adverts and promotions inviting people to celebrate Valentine’s Day at various venues.

The commissioner emphasised that all stakeholders planning such events must actively involve security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Amotekun, Operation Burst, and other security arms, to ensure proper logistics for seamless gatherings.

He also insisted that the planners, security, and medical personnel agree on the venues’ choices.

Oyelade said the state’s Ministry of Health and the hospital management board must be involved, along with private hospitals where necessary, to ensure adequate medical support.

The commissioner warned that anyone who flouts this directive would face the full wrath of the law.

He reminded the public that the state is still mourning the unnecessary death of 35 children at a gathering in Ibadan on the 18th of December, 2024.