Pupils injured, rushed to hospital following chaotic crush at Edo stadium on Children's Day, as authorities launch investigation

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A screengrab from a video of the students at the hospital.

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By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

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Several students were rushed to Edo State Specialist Hospital after what is suspected to be teargas triggered a stampede on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemdia Stadium during the Children’s Day celebration.

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Vanguard learned that many were treated and discharged, but that two were still on admission.

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An eyewitness said the chaos started when some male students, said to be from Ihogbe College, reportedly made compromising advances at some female students.

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The eyewitness was quoted as saying that “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium, as they rebuked the male students.”

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‎According to him, the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation in the crowded arena. The bouncers then deployed pepper spray.

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Edo govt invetigates

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Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Olpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, said some students, out of excitement, became unruly and in the process, one of the security agencies trying to restore order released the tear gas that affected the students.

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He said the personnel had been arrested for questioning.

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Part of the statement by Ebojele read: “The stadium was filled to capacity with thousands of excited children who came to participate in the day’s activities.

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“The turn out was unprecedented. All the entrances into the facility were opened for children to access the stadium. 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.

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“In the cause of the pandemonium that ensued, few students sustained injuries.

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“The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa who was physically present at the stadium, rose to the challenge immediately assisting children with first aids; and 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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“Isolated incidents at large gatherings, while regrettable, do not diminish Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

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“The Governor’s unparalleled investment in education is the reason for the huge attendance by students of different schools in the state to celebrate Children’s Day.

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“We thank the security personnel, medical staff, and volunteers for their swift response and dedication to duty. Their immediate response helped to douse the tension.”

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