The Edo State Government has launched an investigation into a stampede at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during Children’s Day celebrations that left several students injured and two still hospitalised.
Several students were rushed to the Edo State Specialist Hospital after what is suspected to be tear gas triggered the stampede on Wednesday at the stadium.
Many were treated and discharged, but two students remained on admission as of Thursday, according to sources.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, the government confirmed that the stadium was filled to capacity with thousands of excited children who came to participate in the day’s activities.
“The turnout was unprecedented. All the entrances into the facility were opened for children to access the stadium,” part of the statement read.
“Some excited children resorted to unruly behaviour at one of the gates, an incident that led to some kind of stampede which necessitated one of the bouncers to deploy the use of tear gas to disperse them. In the course of the pandemonium that ensued, few students sustained injuries.”
An eyewitness said the chaos started when some male students, reportedly from Ihogbe College, made compromising advances at some female students.
“The behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium, as they rebuked the male students,” the eyewitness was quoted as saying.
According to the eyewitness, the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation in the crowded arena. The bouncers then deployed pepper spray.
The government statement added that the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who was physically present at the stadium, rose to the challenge immediately, assisting children with first aid. Those requiring further care were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital, where they received appropriate medical attention and are now safely back home with their families.
The Edo State government has already authorised 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.
“The government wishes to restate its commitment to the safety and security of all including our children. We however call on social media users to refrain from unverified narratives that could cause unnecessary panic,” the statement added.
The government noted that isolated incidents at large gatherings, while regrettable, do not diminish Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing. Officials thanked the security personnel, medical staff, and volunteers for their swift response and dedication to duty.
