What began as a celebration of children in Edo State ended in confusion and emergency response on Wednesday after a suspected teargas discharge triggered a stampede at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, leaving several students injured and rushed to hospital.

Authorities said the incident happened during the Children’s Day event attended by thousands of pupils and students from schools across the state. According to eyewitness accounts, tension started after some male students allegedly behaved inappropriately toward female students, drawing the attention of security personnel and bouncers stationed inside the crowded venue.

Witnesses said the situation escalated when the students involved reportedly confronted the bouncers, leading to a clash in the middle of the gathering. In the confusion that followed, pepper spray or teargas was deployed to disperse the crowd, causing panic among students packed inside the stadium and forcing many to run for safety.

The Edo State Government confirmed that several students sustained injuries during the stampede and were taken to the Edo State Specialist Hospital for treatment. Officials said most of the affected children had been treated and discharged, while two students remained on admission as of Wednesday evening.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele said the stadium was filled beyond expectations because of the large turnout for the celebration. He explained that some students became unruly near one of the entrances, prompting security operatives to intervene in an attempt to restore order.

The government said investigations had commenced into the incident, while the security operative involved had been taken in for questioning by the police. Officials also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online, maintaining that the state remains committed to child safety and improved crowd management at public events involving young people.