Barely 48 hours after a serving police officer on May 25, 2026 at Uwelu area of Ogida quarters in Benin City tear-gas a resident to death, Matthew Akubo, a tricycle rider who is also said to be an ex police officer of an elderly age, a more devastating tragedy was apparently averted on May 27, 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration when some security operatives used pepper spray on school children who came for the celebration, an action capable of causing death but the Chief Medical Director, Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr Anthonia Njoku denied and dismissed the claims that about 5 children died as a result of the incident, and the Edo Command of the Nigeria Police Force in a press statement failed to state if there was any death casualty or not, but stated that 4 persons including the seller of the pepper spray chemical substance have been arrested and detained  in connection with the Children’s Day incident, adding that, the policeman who caused the death of the tricycle rider has been in detention waiting to be arraigned for possible act of murder, this, our research study shows that the less lethal weapon of chemical substances like tear-gas and pepper spray may be seen as an act of deliberate murder or attempted murder if used on a closed range, enclosed enviroenment like hall; big or small because the chemical substances from our assessment are meant only to be used on a long range open air outdoor spaces where people have alternatives means to run and leave the contaminated areas and inline with global standard on the use of the chemical substances, tear gas is never meant to be used on vulnerable populations or individuals with medical conditions, as international bodies like the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR and health organizations warn it can cause permanent injury, severe complications, or death, in addition, the chemical causes instant airway constriction that can trigger fatal respiratory failure in people with asthma or COPD—a severe risk that prompted the American Thoracic Society, ATS to call for a total moratorium on its use, because, simultaneously, the intense physical stress can induce cardiac arrest in those with heart disease, as documented by Physicians for Human Rights, PHR, and according to strict deployment standards from Amnesty International, infants and young children face significantly higher risks because their developing lungs breathe faster, and heavy gas vapors settle near the ground, pregnant individuals face severe risks of premature labor or miscarriage, a danger highlighted in field reports by National Nurses United and reproductive toxicology data published by the National Institutes of Health, NIH, also, the elderly suffer prolonged tissue damage due to a reduced physical ability to flee, and finally, the American Lung Association warns that people with eye conditions—especially contact lens wearers—can suffer chemical burns and permanent vision loss from trapped toxins, though legally, while the Chemical Weapons Convention, CWC permits domestic law enforcement usage, the UN Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons explicitly dictates that police operations must give special consideration to these protected groups to avoid unlawful, disproportionate force.

According to some residents who witnessed the incident, the Commercial tricycle operator, Matthew Akubo was killed by the serving police officer at Osubor lane around Uwelu section in Ogida area of Benin city, the Edo State capital when the policeman allegedly used the tear-gas on him at a very closed range over a minor arguement. The killing prompted the commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as keke riders in the area to protest and block some sections of the Uwelu road in the Ogida Quarters, demanding justice for their slain colleague. It was gathered that the victim was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead thereafter.

Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in a press statement issued on June 1, 2026 and made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikeodom stated that; “The Edo State Police Command has expressed grave concern over the increasing proliferation, unauthorized possession, and unlawful use of restricted security accoutrements such as pepper spray, tear-gas canisters, and other force-related equipment by private individuals, bouncers, vigilantes, and unauthorized security outfits within the State. It frowns on the use of such items without proper training, or regard for public safety, thereby endangering innocent lives and creating avoidable public disorder.

It would be recalled that on 25th May, 2026, a Police Officer attached to the Command unlawfully discharged tear-gas at Ogida, Benin City, an incident which unfortunately led to the loss of a life. The officer involved was immediately arrested and subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.

Similarly, on 27th May, 2026, during the Children’s Day Celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, pepper spray was unlawfully discharged within the stadium premises by private bouncers, causing panic and affecting several children and other attendees at the event. Following diligent investigation into the incident, the Command has arrested three bouncers connected to the unlawful act, namely: Ifeanyi John Paul, aged 36 years, Ola Ibikunle, aged 46 years, Onoha Chukwuoji, aged 33 years.

Further investigation also led to the arrest of one Mrs. Rebecca Hassan, alleged to be the supplier/seller of the pepper spray used during the incident. The Command views the unauthorized use of such devices as assault, or acts capable of causing grievous harm, and in certain circumstances, death. Consequently, unlawful possession of these items with intent to commit felony and other related offences is viewed as criminal under the law.

In view of the foregoing, the Edo State Police Command hereby issues a stern warning to all individuals, private security personnel, bouncers, vigilante groups, and unauthorized organizations in possession of pepper spray, tear-gas, or related restricted security equipment to immediately desist from such unlawful possession and usage.

Henceforth, any person found in possession of such prohibited or unauthorized police/security accoutrements, including sellers, distributors, and suppliers, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassures residents that the Command remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens and will not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace and safety within the State”.

Meanwhile, on the Children’s Day tragedy, the Office of the Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor in a press release issued on May 28, 2026 and made available by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, “the Chief Medical Director, Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr Anthonia Njoku, has clarified the social media reports alleging that five pupils died during the Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium. Njoku made the clarification on Thursday in Benin, while addressing newsmen.

“Yesterday (May 27), we were called in for an emergency response and we responded swiftly and appropriately to some of the children which were 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 and we want to thank our governor for his continuous support”, she said.

Speaking on why the children were seen on the floor of the hospital, Njoku explained that they placed them on the floor for an effective resuscitation which some of the children needed. You needed to put some of these children on hard surfaces to be able to resuscitate them, that’s why we even have some of them on the floor, our goal at that point was to make sure that there was no casualty. “We want to use this medium to thank our able governor for his passion for children”, she added.

In her response, the coordinator, office of the First Lady of Edo, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, noted that she was at the hospital on a fact finding mission concerning the incident that happened during the Children’s Day celebration. “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. The governor would have loved to be here, but he is out for other official engagement(s), he had directed that I should come on my fact finding mission to see what is happening”, she said.

She, however, described what happened during the Children’s Day celebration as unfortunate, but the good news was that response came fast, adding that safety of our children remains the priority of this administration. Also present at the hospital was the Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Dr Iyamu and the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Ebomonyi”.

In earlier press release issued on May 27, 2026, Ebojele stated that “the Edo State Government wishes to address some misleading social media narratives about today’s Children’s Day incident at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. We hereby reject the sensational interpretations, spins, twists, and misinformation that were dubiously orchestrated to give the government a bad name.

The stadium was filled to capacity with thousands of excited children who came to participate in the day’s activities. The turn out was unprecedented. All the entrances into the facility were opened for children to access the stadium. Some excited children resorted to unruly behaviour at one of the gates, an incident that led to some kind of stampede which necessitated one of the bouncers to deploy the use of tear gas to disperse them. In the cause of the pandemonium that ensued, few students sustained injuries.

The Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa who was physically present at the stadium, rose to the challenge immediately, assisting children with first aids; and those requiring further care were taken to the Edo Specialist Hospital where they received appropriate medical attention and are now safely back home with their families.

The Edo State government has already authorised investigations into the incident while the bouncer involved is presently being interrogated by the Police to ascertain the immediate or remote cause of the incident. The government wishes to restate its commitment to the safety and security of all including our children. We however call on social media users to refrain from unverified narratives that could cause unnecessary panic.

Isolated incidents at large gatherings, while regrettable, do not diminish Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing. The Governor’s unparalleled investment in education is the reason for the huge attendance by students of different schools in the state to celebrate Children’s Day. We thank the security personnel, medical staff, and volunteers for their swift response and
dedication to duty. Their immediate response helped to douse the tension”.

However, the American Lung Association in its report on January 20, 2026, stated in part that; “Crowd control agents, often referred to as “tear gas,” are chemicals that cause skin, respiratory, and eye irritation. Some of the most common chemicals used are chloroacetophenone, CN—which is a toxic air pollutant, chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, CS, chloropicrin (PS), bromobenzylcyanide, CA and dibenzoxazepine, CR. While tear gas is typically perceived as causing mostly short-term health impacts, there is evidence of permanent disability in some cases.  

In general, exposure to tear gas can cause chest tightness, coughing, a choking sensation, wheezing and shortness of breath, in addition to a burning sensation in the eyes, mouth and nose; blurred vision and difficulty swallowing. Tear gas can also cause chemical burns, allergic reactions and respiratory distress. People with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms of their disease that could lead to respiratory failure.   

Long-term health effects from tear gas are more likely if exposed for a prolonged period or to a high dose while in an enclosed area. In these instances, it can lead to blindness, glaucoma or respiratory failure possibly resulting in death.  

If exposed to tear gas, the American Lung Association advises you to immediately distance yourself from the source and seek higher ground, if possible. Flush your eyes with water and use a gentle soap, such as baby shampoo, to wash your face to reduce skin and eye irritation. Cut your clothes off rather than pulling them over your head to remove.

Leaving the area immediately for fresh air should help relieve respiratory symptoms you may experience. If you are living with chronic lung disease, or are experiencing lasting or worrisome symptoms, let your healthcare provider know about your exposure. If breathing trouble persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately”.