The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all students involved in a widely circulated bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, assuring that those implicated will face proceedings at the Family Court in line with juvenile justice laws.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the incident was linked to a reprisal following an earlier altercation involving the family of one of the students.
According to the statement, the Command has also activated its Safe School Initiative and called on parents, guardians, and school authorities to be more vigilant regarding the activities of students.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern and public reactions across the state.
“Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified, while those implicated have been apprehended and are being charged to the Family Court in accordance with extant laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident originated on Thursday, 5/03/2026, when two female students, names withheld, both aged 14, had a disagreement with a fellow student. During the altercation, the said student reportedly uttered offensive words directed at their late father, specifically saying, ‘Ogun kill your papa.’
“Angered by the remark, the girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of the assault, a parent, who had come to pick up her son, intervened, but the two girls, still enraged, turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes. The school management subsequently intervened and expelled the girls for engaging in violent conduct.
“On the following day, being Friday, 06/03/2026, a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was earlier assaulted, attacked the victim in the viral video in what has been identified as a revenge assault, which was recorded and posted by one of the students. The victim being the brother of the girls that assaulted his mother.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in Edo State, with a mandate to identify gaps in supervision and apply lessons learned from this incident to prevent a recurrence. Additionally, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has been mobilised to engage students and school administrators through advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation programmes.
“The Command therefore urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards. Students are equally advised to shun violence and report grievances through appropriate channels.
“While appealing to members of the public to remain calm, the Command assures that proactive steps are being taken to ensure that justice is not only served but that measures are also in place to prevent a recurrence. The Edo State Police Command remains committed to maintaining law and order and safeguarding all residents, especially children.”
