In light of a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of approximately 35 children in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, paediatricians under the auspices of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) have urged governments and event organisers to prioritise children’s safety during funfairs, especially with the yuletide season approaching.
The child health professionals expressed their sorrow over the unfortunate incident, which was originally planned for 5,000 children but ended up attracting over 7,000 attendees. This overwhelming turnout led to a stampede, resulting in multiple casualties. They extended their condolences to the Federal Government and the bereaved families, calling for urgent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Describing the tragic event as avoidable, the specialists emphasised that children’s safety in crowded gatherings is non-negotiable and is the responsibility of governments and stakeholders. They advocated for rigorous planning of children’s funfairs and events to ensure protections against potential emergencies.
In a statement signed by PAN President, Prof. Ekanem Ekure, and Secretary, Dr Chika Duru, the necessity for government and stakeholder roles in safeguarding children during festivities and funfairs was highlighted, in accordance with the Child Rights Act.
Prof. Ekure stated that children’s funfairs are common global occurrences, particularly during festive seasons. Children look forward to the unique experiences these gatherings provide, and they often seize the opportunity to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
She emphasised the need for governments to implement and enforce the Child Rights Act along with related policies concerning large gatherings of children. The environment, she noted, must be made child-friendly with adequate attention to safety and security. “Children tend to rush, and if unsupervised, may wander off; they are likely to underestimate risks, judge poorly, and inadvertently make inappropriate decisions at such occasions,” she explained.
“The Child Rights Act prescribes that children must be protected against harm. Therefore, it is the joint responsibility of policymakers and event organizers to create a safe venue for funfairs and to be prepared for emergencies,” she added.
Prof. Ekure further asserted that governments should establish clear regulations regarding crowd control, venue capacity, and child safety at public gatherings. She proposed that mandatory approvals, following comprehensive risk assessments, be institutionalized and that appropriate sanctions be imposed on defaulters.
For event organisers and stakeholders, she urged them to extend their planning beyond celebrations to incorporate child-friendly practices, ensuring safety measures are in place and that the environment is equipped for potential emergencies. This includes planning safe evacuations, providing child-safe zones, and training staff to manage children’s safety effectively.
“In the event of a stampede, children must, by right, be the first to receive attention. First responders must focus on children. Specialized rescue teams trained to handle emergencies involving children should be at the forefront of operations to secure their safety and facilitate quick reunification of children with their caregivers,” she stressed.
Prof. Ekure underscored the vital role of clear communication systems during emergencies, mandating event organisers to have loudspeakers, emergency messaging systems, and visible signage to direct children and caregivers to safety. This guidance can help prevent panic and ensure everyone knows how to respond in a crisis.
Emphasising the crucial need to safeguard children’s health in crowded environments and funfairs, Prof. Ekure asserted that governments must foster strong collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve this goal. She also noted that PAN is available to provide professional guidance in this endeavour.
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