CRPP condemns tragedy at Edo Children’s Day, calls for compensation for injured students

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has condemned the tragedy that unfolded during the Children’s Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State, where several students sustained injuries.

According to the Daily Post, chaos erupted on Wednesday, May 27 2026, at the stadium in Benin City. Security personnel reportedly used pepper spray and tear gas canisters, causing many students to be injured.

The event, organized by the Edo State Ministry of Education, saw a number of students—especially females—faint after inhaling the chemicals, while others were injured when they were trampled during the ensuing melee.

Many of the affected students were rushed to Edo Specialist Hospital for treatment.

In response, the CRPP’s national leadership questioned why the Edo State Government employed non‑state actors, such as bouncers, for crowd control at an event of this magnitude. The coalition also challenged the decision by Government House security to deploy tear gas and pepper spray, which it says led to the pandemonium and the avoidable trampling of students attempting to escape the stadium.

In a statement signed by Dr. Samson Isibor, National Chairman of the CRPP, and released to reporters in Benin City on Friday, May 29 2026, the coalition alleged that more than 50 students—mostly females—were seriously injured and collapsed in a stampede caused by the chaos. Isibor also mentioned unconfirmed reports that two students may have died during the incident.

He noted that videos and photographs of the event have circulated widely online, despite the state government’s denial of any fatalities.

Isibor said the tragedy again highlighted the perceived weakness of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration in crowd control and its failure to protect children, particularly girls. He added that the alleged intrusion of suspected cultists into the stadium contradicted Okpebholo’s claim of having eradicated cultism in the state, suggesting that further security work is needed.

Consequently, the CRPP called for an unconditional apology from Governor Okpebholo and his administration to Edo children and their parents for the preventable disaster allegedly caused by incompetent state and non‑state actors. The coalition also urged the state government to cover the medical expenses of the victims and provide compensation commensurate with their losses.

The Daily Post reports that the Edo State Government has denied any student deaths, labeling the allegation as false and unfounded.