The Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, has dismissed social media reports claiming that five pupils died during the Children’s Day incident at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City on Thursday, Njoku said the hospital responded swiftly after some affected children were evacuated to the facility for emergency treatment.
According to her, immediate resuscitation measures were carried out on the children and no casualty was recorded, adding that all the affected pupils are stable.
She explained that some of the children were placed on the floor during treatment because hard surfaces were needed for effective resuscitation.
Njoku thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his continuous support and concern for children’s welfare.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said she visited the hospital on the directive of the governor to ascertain the condition of the children affected by the incident.
She confirmed that the children had been treated and discharged, while commending the hospital management for its swift response.
Mrs. Anani described the incident as unfortunate but noted that prompt intervention helped to prevent casualties, adding that the safety of children remains a top priority of the administration.
Also present during the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Iyamu, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ebomonyi.