Panic As Children’s Day Stampede Leaves Students Injured In Edo

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray. The event, which was organised to celebrate school children across the State, was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue. A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “The behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.” According to Oboh, the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, triggering a confrontation in the crowded arena. The confusion that followed, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students. Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee. The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers, and parents scampered for safety. Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel who fired the tear gas have been detained.

He said all the students, except two, who were rushed to the hospital, have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the Children enjoy their day.”