Kingsley Ohens reporting
The Edo State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that five pupils lost their lives during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, confirming instead that no casualty was recorded from the incident.
The clarification was made by the Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, during a press briefing on Thursday in Benin City, where she assured the public that all affected children received prompt medical attention and were in stable condition.
According to Dr. Njoku, the hospital immediately activated emergency response procedures after some pupils who experienced distress during the event were evacuated to the facility through emergency ambulance services.
She explained that medical personnel commenced immediate resuscitation and stabilization procedures upon the arrival of the children, stressing that the intervention was swift, professional and successful.
“Yesterday, we were called in for an emergency response and we responded swiftly and appropriately to some of the children evacuated by our ambulance to our facility. Resuscitation measures started immediately and to God be the glory, we have no casualty. The children are all stable,” she stated.
The CMD further addressed concerns raised online over visuals showing some of the pupils lying on the hospital floor, explaining that the medical decision was part of standard emergency resuscitation protocol aimed at saving lives.
“You needed to put some of these children on hard surfaces to be able to resuscitate them. That was why some of them were on the floor. Our goal at that point was to ensure that there was no casualty,” she added.
Dr. Njoku commended the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo for its continued support to the health sector, noting that the government’s investments and responsiveness contributed significantly to the hospital’s ability to handle emergency situations effectively.
Also speaking during the visit, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, disclosed that she visited the hospital on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo to conduct an on-the-spot assessment following the unfortunate incident.
She confirmed that discussions held with the hospital management indicated that all the affected children had been treated successfully and discharged.
“I have had conversations with the CMD, the children are fine and they have been discharged. We are happy and grateful to the management of the hospital for their swift response,” she said.
Mrs. Anani noted that although the development during the Children’s Day celebration was unfortunate, the rapid intervention by medical teams and emergency responders prevented any loss of life.
She reaffirmed that the safety, health and welfare of children remain a major priority of the present administration.
“The governor would have loved to be here personally, but he is away on official engagements. He directed that I come on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the situation,” she added.
The visit also had in attendance the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Iyamu, and the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ebomonyi.
The statement was officially issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
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