​Stadium Stampede Mars Edo Children’s Day

​A heavy-handed security response to unruly behavior turned a festive Children’s Day celebration into a scene of panic at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Wednesday, leaving several students hospitalized.

​The Edo State Government has officially launched an investigation into the incident, which saw thousands of excited children gather to mark the annual celebration. The unprecedented turnout quickly overwhelmed structural checkpoints, leading to a bottleneck at one of the main access gates.

​According to eyewitness accounts, the tension began when a group of male students from Ihogbe College allegedly began harassing female peers. Private bouncers stationed at the venue intervened to rebuke the boys. The situation escalated rapidly when the disciplined students regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on the security personnel.

​In an effort to disperse the surging crowd and quell the confrontation, a bouncer deployed pepper spray—initially reported by some attendees as tear gas—sparking an immediate stampede in the tightly packed arena.

​Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who was present at the venue, immediately spearheaded first-aid efforts on-site. Students suffering from the chemical irritant and crush injuries were rushed to the Edo State Specialist Hospital. While the majority of the victims were treated and discharged overnight, government officials confirmed that two students remained under medical observation but are in stable condition.

​In a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the administration confirmed that the security personnel responsible for deploying the chemical agent has been arrested and handed over to the police for interrogation.

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​”The Edo State government has already authorized investigations into the incident, while the bouncer involved is presently being interrogated by the Police to ascertain the immediate or remote cause of the incident,” Ebojele stated. He additionally urged the public and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified narratives that could fuel unnecessary panic.

​While characterizing the stampede as an isolated and regrettable incident, the state government maintained that the massive turnout was a direct reflection of Governor Okpebholo’s recent investments in the local education sector. Authorities extended their appreciation to the medical staff, volunteers, and emergency responders whose swift intervention prevented further casualties.