A Children’s Day celebration turned into chaos on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, after several students reportedly fainted following the use of pepper spray by a security operative.
The incident, which occurred during an event organised to mark Children’s Day, triggered panic among students, parents, and officials as some of the affected pupils collapsed and were rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment.
According to eyewitness accounts, the disorder began when some male students allegedly engaged in unruly behaviour, including inappropriate advances toward female students at the venue.
The situation reportedly escalated after a member of a private security outfit intervened to restore order but was allegedly attacked by the students, prompting him to deploy pepper spray in an attempt to disperse them.
However, the chemical substance spread beyond the immediate area, affecting several other students who were not directly involved in the altercation.
A parent, identified as Oboh Emmanuel, said the intervention by security personnel was triggered by misconduct among some of the students.
He explained that the situation worsened when the security operative attempted to control the unruly behaviour, leading to a confrontation that spiralled out of control.
Medical officials at the Edo Specialist Hospital confirmed that several students were brought in for treatment after inhaling the substance, though most of them had been stabilised and discharged as of Wednesday night.
A health worker at the facility stated that only two students remained under observation, noting that their condition was not critical and they were expected to be discharged after further monitoring.
The Edo State Government also confirmed the incident through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, who said the security operative involved had been detained for questioning.
He added that while the situation caused panic, most of the affected students had already recovered, with only two still under medical observation.
Ebojele maintained that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable Children’s Day celebration, describing the incident as unfortunate but contained.
He also urged the public to avoid exaggeration of the situation, stressing that government authorities were handling the matter and ensuring proper care for the affected students.
Meanwhile, education officials and hospital authorities have continued monitoring the remaining students as investigations into the incident commence.
The episode has sparked fresh concerns about crowd control, student discipline, and the use of force in managing school-related public events in the state.
