We are ready to provide psychosocial support to victims, families of Ibadan stampede- Social Workers

Social Workers under the auspices of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) have pledged to provide psychosocial support to victims and families of the recent stampede that occurred in Ibadan.

NASoW made this declaration in a statement made available to Afriposot on Saturday.

Recall that no fewer than thirty five children have reportedly lost their lives as a result of stampede that occurred at a children funfair carnival held at Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan.

NASoW in a statement signed by its Chairman in Oyo state, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele, commiserate with the families of the deceased and those who were injured in the sad event.

Adegoke in the statement commended the efforts of the state government and the security operatives.

He however said that the association is ready to assist in providing the needed psychosocial support to the victims and their families.

Adegoke while speaking further, maintained that one of the roles of social workers is to provide psychosocial support to victims of disasters and tragedies.

He enjoined the state government to involve the Association in activities required to support the bereaved families.

“The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) was greatly disturbed with what happened in Ibadan on Wednesday.

“We are using this medium to commiserate with the families of the innocent children who lost their lives in the sad event .

“We empathize with the families of the injured victims too. As social workers, one of our roles is to provide psychosocial support to victims of disasters and tragedy. The Association is prepared to provide this service .

“We are ready to provide the necessary profession support to the victims and their families. We want to use this medium to urge the state government and other stakeholders to involve social workers in activities required to support the injured victims and bereaved families.

“We are using this medium to commend the Oyo state government for the proactive intervention.

“Profound appreciation to the police for acting professionally. In the light of above, we call on the security operatives to investigate the matter thoroughly with a view of establishing the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy to forestall future recurrence ‘.