Panic erupted on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during the Children’s Day celebration organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education, after a stampede led to the collapse of several students.
Eyewitnesses said the incident began when a group of male students of Ihogbe College allegedly engaged in unruly behaviour, including making persistent advances towards female students during the crowded celebration. The situation reportedly escalated when security bouncers stationed at the venue intervened and issued warnings to restore order.
According to accounts from a parent identified as Oboh, the rebuked students later regrouped and confronted the security personnel, triggering a heated exchange in an already congested section of the stadium. In an attempt to disperse the crowd and regain control, one of the bouncers reportedly discharged pepper spray, which quickly spread through the area filled with students.
The use of the irritant substance caused panic, with many students coughing, struggling to breathe, and fainting amid the confusion. The resulting stampede forced students, teachers, and parents to rush in different directions in search of safety, leaving several injured—particularly female students who were caught in the rush.
Emergency responders and school officials later moved affected students to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention. As of press time, the Edo State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
