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Francis Onoiribholo
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) condemns in the strongest term the Children’s Day tragedy that occurred at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the commemoration of the Children’s Day, organized by the Edo State Ministry of Education.
CRPP’s condemnation which was contained in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, alleged that reports had it that some male students of a government secondary school that is notorious for cultism, invaded the venue and allegedly attempted to force themselves on female students, which allegedly triggered the use of pepper spray by Bouncers.
Sadly, according to the statement, over 50 students (mostly female) were seriously injured and collapsed in a stampede resulting from the pandemonium.
“Besides, unconfirmed reports had it That two (2) students lost their live. Videos and pictures of the sad event have since gone viral on the internet, not minding the denial of the government in power.
“This tragedy has again exposed Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government as very weak and lacking in crowd control mechanism, and its failure to protect the children, especially the girl-child.
“It further exposed the government that prides itself as children and youth-friendly as a mere smoke screen.
“The successful invasion of the stadium by suspected cultists also belied Okpebholo’s claim to having totally obliterated cultism in the state. It is now obvious that he has much work to do on security in the state as cultism and other criminal activities still fester” Isibor said.
The questions now begging for answers, according to the CRPP National Chairman include: “Why should a government use non state actors such as Bouncers operated by private companies and are not trained for large crowd control to take control of a ceremony of such magnitude?
“Why should Government House security personnel allegedly authorize the use of tear gases and pepper sprays to disperse unruly crowds that resorted in the pandemonium and the avoidable trampling of innocent students who tried to escape from the stadium.
“CRPP therefore demands an unreserved apology from Governor Monday Okpebholo and his government to Edo children and their parents over this avoidable calamity perpetrated by incompetent State and non-state actors.
“CRPP demands that the state government foot the hospital bills of the victims and also give them adequate compensations commensurate to their respective losses” Isibor declared.
