Edo Students Hospitalized After Incident at Children’s Day Event

Several students in Benin City were hospitalized after inhaling tear gas allegedly fired by a security operative during the Children’s Day celebration at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State.

Several students in Benin City, Edo State, were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital after collapsing during the Children’s Day celebration held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Wednesday.

According to witnesses, the students were affected after security personnel discharged tear gas at the venue. Authorities confirmed that the officer involved has been detained while investigations continue.

Some students who attended the event said at least three students were rushed to the hospital following the incident. One witness also claimed that another student sustained a head injury after being struck by a stone thrown during the confusion.

Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the development and stated that most of the affected students had already been treated and discharged.

He explained that only two students remained under medical observation, adding that their condition was not considered serious. He also noted that officials from the Ministry of Education were present at the hospital to monitor the situation.

Ebojele said the authorities had put safety measures in place for the Children’s Day celebration and insisted that reports surrounding the incident had been exaggerated.

“The two students still receiving treatment are stable, and doctors only want to monitor them overnight,” he said. “The security operative responsible for using the pepper spray has been detained.”

The incident caused panic among students and spectators at the event, though activities later continued under tighter security supervision.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, THE NATION