Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASoW, has pledged to provide psychosocial support to victims and families of the recent stampede that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
NASoW made the promise in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday.
DAILY POST reports that no fewer than 35 children lost their lives as a result of the 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, said that the association is ready to assist in providing the needed psychosocial support to the victims and their families.
Ayodele commiserated with the families of the deceased and those who were injured in the sad incident.
He also commended the efforts of the state government and the security operatives.
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.”
Ibadan stampede: Social workers promise support for victims’ families