… Says action reckless, unacceptable
… Demands full independent investigation into role of security personnel, officials involved
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, has condemned the alleged tear-gassing of school children and parents during the Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City by security men.
The party described the action of the security men as reckless and unacceptable to the Edo people.
The condemnation is contained in a statement titled, “Children’s Day Stampede : Edo Government Must Accept Responsibility For Its Failure” signed by the Publicity Secretary, PDP, Edo State, Barr. Felix Alari and made available to journalists.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, is deeply saddened and alarmed by the unfortunate incident that occurred during the Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, where innocent school children were reportedly injured following the deployment of tear gas and the resulting stampede.
“While we thank God that no life was reportedly lost, we strongly condemn the avoidable negligence, poor planning, and incompetence that characterized an event meant to celebrate and protect the future of our society — our children,” the statement reads in part.
The PDP pointed out that attempt by the APC-led Edo State Government to downplay the incident and shift responsibility through carefully worded press statements cannot erase the painful reality witnessed by parents, teachers, and the affected children themselves.
“We did not start celebrating Children’s Day today as a people. For decades, Edo State and indeed Nigeria have marked this day without the kind of horror visited on our children yesterday. Previous administrations—including PDP governments—organised successful, joyful, and safe Children’s Day events year after year. Never have we witnessed tear gas fired at children or a stampede caused by official recklessness. This ugly chapter is a clear and undeniable testament to the cluelessness of the APC government in Edo State—an administration that does not know what to do at any given time. It is a cut-and-nail government, incapable of planning, incapable of execution, and now incapable of taking responsibility,”PDP said.
The PDP wondered why a government should organise a massive Children’s Day gathering without adequate crowd control measures, emergency response coordination, proper entry management, and child safety protocols.
PDP stated that more disturbing is the reported use of tear gas in an environment crowded with children, adding that such recklessness is unacceptable and must never be tolerated in any civilised society.
Government, the statement insisted must understand that leadership is not about propaganda after failure; it is about prevention, competence, and responsibility.
In view of the unacceptable incident at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the PDP called on the Edo State Government to:
1. Immediately publish a transparent report of the incident and the exact number of affected children.
2. Ensure that every injured child receives proper medical care and psychological support at government expense.
3. Conduct a full independent investigation into the role of all security personnel and officials involved.
4. Establish clear safety protocols for all future public events involving children and vulnerable persons.
5. Publicly apologize to Edo parents and school children for exposing them to danger during what should have been a joyful celebration.
The party urged Edo parents to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from those entrusted with public responsibility.
The safety of Edo children, PDP insisted must never be sacrificed on the altar of political showmanship, poor planning, or administrative incompetence, as they
deserve protection, dignity, and responsible leadership.
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