The Edo State Government has directed the arrest and prosecution of students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre.
The directive was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, who condemned the incident and described the behaviour as unacceptable.
Afegbua said the government was deeply disturbed after seeing the video of the assault, stressing that there could be no justification for students bullying their peers.
“It is quite disturbing. When we heard the news and saw the clips of the video, we were wondering what could have warranted such behaviour. There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable,” he said.
According to him, the state government took swift action by ensuring that the students involved were expelled from the school while also directing the police to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
“We took action almost immediately that led to the expulsion of the students involved. But it is not just about expulsion; we also directed the police to make sure the students are properly arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Afegbua stated.
He noted that the incident underscores the need for stronger supervision and discipline in schools.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has constituted a five-member investigative committee to examine the incident and identify all students found culpable.
Afegbua added that the police are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation, while the school management has also condemned the act.
“I placed a call to the Commissioner of Police this morning to be sure they are taking steps. He told me he is expecting the parents to bring the students involved, and after investigations, they will be charged in court,” he said.
The incident, which occurred at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, showed two male students physically attacking a fellow student. In the viral video, one of the attackers was seen dragging the victim by his suit and stomping on his chest while the boy cried in pain.
Another student who recorded the incident was heard pleading with the attackers to stop.
The video, which circulated widely on the social media platform X, triggered widespread public outrage, prompting disciplinary action by the school and an investigation by the state government.
