Several students were hospitalized after a pepper spray incident disrupted a Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The incident occurred during the state-organized event attended by schoolchildren from different parts of Edo State.
According to officials and eyewitness accounts, a private security bouncer reportedly discharged pepper spray while attempting to control a group of male students accused of harassing female students during the gathering.
The spray allegedly spread beyond the intended target area, affecting several nearby children and causing panic within sections of the stadium.
Videos and reports from the scene showed students coughing, crying, and some collapsing as emergency responders and officials rushed to assist them.
Affected students were later taken to Edo Specialist Hospital for treatment.
Medical personnel at the hospital reportedly described the cases as largely mild and manageable, stating that most of the students responded quickly to treatment and were discharged shortly afterward.
Two students were reportedly kept overnight for observation as a precautionary measure.
The incident triggered widespread reactions online after early social media reports falsely claimed that police officers had fired tear gas into the crowd and that numerous children were critically injured.
However, officials moved quickly to counter the claims.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reportedly clarified that no police tear gas was used and confirmed that the substance involved was pepper spray discharged by a private security operative.
Authorities also confirmed that the bouncer involved in the incident had been detained for questioning.
Government officials maintained that the overall Children’s Day event proceeded peacefully aside from the isolated disruption and emphasized that adequate security arrangements had been put in place throughout the celebration.
The incident has nevertheless raised concerns among parents and observers about crowd management, child safety, and the use of force by private security personnel at public events involving minors.
Some civil society voices called for stricter regulations and better training for event security operatives to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria are typically marked by parades, performances, and educational activities aimed at promoting child welfare and national unity.
