The Edo State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident that disrupted the 2026 Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, following reports of injuries sustained during a stampede at the venue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the government dismissed what it described as misleading and sensational social media reports surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, the stadium recorded an unprecedented turnout of schoolchildren and other participants who gathered for the annual Children’s Day celebration. The government explained that all entry points to the stadium had been opened to facilitate easy access for attendees.
However, the statement noted that some excited children reportedly became unruly at one of the gates, leading to a stampede. In an attempt to restore order, a bouncer allegedly deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in panic and injuries to a few students.
“The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who was physically present at the stadium, immediately rose to the challenge by assisting affected children with first aid,” the statement said.
It added that children who required additional medical attention were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital, where they received treatment and were later reunited safely with their families.
The government further disclosed that the bouncer involved is currently being interrogated by the Police as part of ongoing investigations to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, particularly the welfare of children, the Edo State Government urged members of the public and social media users to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The statement stressed that the isolated incident should not overshadow Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to child welfare, education, and safety, noting that the large turnout reflected the administration’s investments in the education sector.
The government also commended security personnel, medical officials, and volunteers for their swift response, which it said helped to calm tensions and manage the situation effectively.
