Chaos erupted in Edo Children’s day celebration following stampede triggered by alleged Bouncer’s teargas

Chaos erupted during the Children’s Day celebration in Edo State on Tuesday as a stampede broke out at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, turning what was meant to be a joyous occasion for thousands of schoolchildren into a scene of fear and confusion.

The event was part of the 2026 Children’s Day festivities organized by the Edo State Government, attracting students, educators, parents, and dignitaries from across the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that panic ensued when security personnel and bouncers attempted to break up a clash between male and female students from different schools. Tension arose when male students from Ihogbe College were said to have made inappropriate advances toward their female peers, escalating the situation when bouncers intervened.

Witnesses claimed that the male students regrouped and confronted the bouncers, leading to further chaos as security officials were called to intervene. Amid the turmoil, either pepper spray or a teargas canister was reportedly released in a crowded area of the stadium, which incited widespread panic among the young attendees.

Many students fainted after being exposed to the noxious substance, while others suffered injuries as attendees rushed to escape the danger. Some affected individuals were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital for treatment, as emotional scenes unfolded outside the stadium.

Witnessing parents described the atmosphere as chaotic, with many children, particularly girls, getting trampled while trying to flee. One parent claimed that the canister was deployed as authorities sought to control the unruly students, exacerbating the chaos for the thousands present.

In response to these events, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed rumors of a “mass collapse” as overblown, asserting that the substance was not used by official security but by a bouncer at the event.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

Despite the disturbance, the earlier parts of the Children’s Day celebration had included speeches, cultural performances, sporting events, and the Governor’s Cup competition before the unfortunate incident disrupted the festivities.

Additionally, the Oba of Benin held a separate Children’s Day party for children aged two to twelve at the Oba Palace in Benin City. At the time of this report, there were no confirmed fatalities, but anxious parents were still seeking information about the condition of those affected.