Edo Children’s Day stampede investigation begins after students were injured at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during celebrations in Benin City

The Edo State Government has launched an investigation into a stampede that occurred at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Wednesday during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, where several students sustained varying degrees of injury.

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Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the development in a statement while addressing the incident, saying a bouncer involved in the situation is currently being interrogated by the police to determine the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance.

According to the state government, the incident occurred when some excited children allegedly engaged in unruly behaviour at one of the stadium gates, leading to panic and a subsequent stampede.

Ebojele explained that the situation escalated when a bouncer reportedly used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd, further intensifying the chaos at the venue.

He noted that several students sustained injuries during the confusion, adding that the stadium was filled with thousands of children who had gathered for the annual celebration, with all entrances opened to ease access.

The Chief Press Secretary stated that Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa was present at the scene and immediately assisted in coordinating first aid for affected students.

He added that those requiring further medical attention were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital, treated, and later discharged to rejoin their families.

Ebojele described the incident as isolated, stressing that it would not overshadow the government’s commitment to child safety and welfare in the state.

He also praised the swift response of security operatives, medical personnel, and volunteers, noting that their actions helped stabilise the situation and reduce tension.

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The state government urged members of the public and social media users to avoid spreading unverified accounts of the incident, warning that misinformation could trigger unnecessary panic.