Tear gas used by a bouncer at Wednesday’s Children’s Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City sparked panic that left several pupils needing hospital treatment, Edo State authorities said.
The disturbance began after an argument involving students of Ikhogbe Secondary School and some female pupils, eyewitnesses said. Sources told reporters that the scuffle drew the attention of bouncers and security personnel attached to Government House, who moved to restore order.
A parent at the venue said bouncers rebuked some male students for inappropriate behaviour. The students later regrouped and confronted the bouncers, witnesses said, and during the commotion one of the bouncers discharged tear gas inside the crowded stadium.
The gas caused a stampede as pupils, teachers and other attendees rushed for exits. Several pupils fainted or experienced breathing difficulties. Many were treated at the scene; others were taken to Edo State Specialist Hospital. Most were discharged after treatment, but two pupils remained admitted for further stabilisation.
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the turnout for the event was unprecedented and that all stadium entrances had been opened to accommodate thousands of children. He said the rowdy behaviour at one gate led to a stampede that “necessitated one of the bouncers to deploy the use of tear gas to disperse them.”
The statement added that Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who was at the stadium, helped administer first aid before affected children were taken to hospital. Edo State said it has authorised an investigation and that the bouncer involved has been arrested and is being interrogated by police.
The government urged social media users to avoid sharing unverified accounts that could cause unnecessary panic and reiterated its commitment to the safety of children.
