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 celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Njoku said no casualty was recorded from the incident, adding that all affected children were successfully treated and stabilised.
According to her, the hospital responded promptly after receiving an emergency call concerning some pupils who reportedly collapsed during the event.
“Yesterday, we were called in for an emergency response and we responded swiftly and appropriately to some of the children who were evacuated by our ambulance to our facility,” she said.
“Resuscitation measures started immediately and, to God be the glory, we have no casualty. The children are all stable and we want to thank our governor for his continuous support.”
Njoku also addressed concerns raised online after photos and videos showed some children lying on the hospital floor, explaining that it was part of emergency medical procedures.
“You needed to put some of these children on hard surfaces to be able to resuscitate them. That’s why we even had some of them on the floor. Our goal at that point was to make sure there was no casualty,” she explained.
She further commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising children’s welfare and supporting the health sector.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the 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 true situation surrounding the incident.
“I have had a conversation with the CMD. The children are fine and they have been discharged and we are happy. I want to thank the management of the hospital for their swift response,” she said.
According to her, Governor Okpebholo, who was away on official duties, directed her to carry out a fact-finding mission regarding the incident.
She described the development as unfortunate but praised the rapid response of medical personnel, stressing that the safety of children remains a top priority for 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.
