Students Faint After Pepper Spray Incident at Edo Children's Day Event

A Children's Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, turned chaotic when pepper spray was used, causing several students to faint and require medical treatment. The event, organized to honor schoolchildren, was disrupted after some male students allegedly made inappropriate advances toward female students. Security personnel intervened to address the situation. However, reports indicate that the students regrouped and attacked a private security guard. In response, the guard deployed pepper spray, which inadvertently affected other students present at the venue. Eyewitnesses and parents described the scene as distressing, with many students, particularly females, collapsing after inhaling the substance. Several affected students were rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for immediate care. A medical professional on duty confirmed that the students' conditions were not life-threatening and that they were being treated for the effects of the spray. Authorities confirmed the incident, stating that the security personnel involved had been detained. While most students were treated and discharged, two remained under observation overnight. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor assured that the situation was under control and that the incident was not as severe as initially portrayed. He emphasized that measures were in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day, despite the unfortunate disruption.

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The behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of the bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.