The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Secondary School, declaring that such acts will not be tolerated in the state’s educational institutions.
The directive follows the circulation of a disturbing video on Friday showing a violent bullying episode involving students of the school.
In the footage, two male students are seen repeatedly attacking a fellow student who had fallen to the ground. One of the attackers drags the victim by his school uniform and stomps on his chest and head while the boy cries out in pain.
A third student who recorded the incident could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop.
The video sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the incident and demanding action from the authorities.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, said the government had directed the police to ensure those responsible face the law.
“Three students were involved in the incident, and the Commissioner of Police has asked that the parents and the students report to the command. They will definitely face prosecution,” Afegbua said.
He noted that although the suspects are minors, the law still provides measures for handling such cases.
“Even though they are minors, there are juvenile correctional centres where they can be kept if the courts make a pronouncement regarding prosecution,” he added.
Afegbua described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” stressing that both parents and school authorities must take greater responsibility for students’ behaviour.
“This is quite worrisome. Imagine how painful it would be if a child goes to school and the next thing you hear is that the child passed away because of the reckless behaviour of classmates,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, had directed the Edo State Police Command to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.
“We are taking this matter very seriously. The governor has asked the police to press charges and also investigate the general conduct within the school to ensure this kind of behaviour is completely eradicated,” Afegbua said.
He also disclosed that the government has set up a five-member investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather testimonies from witnesses.
“People are already coming forward with additional information about similar incidents that we were not previously aware of. This suggests that there may be more to it than meets the eye,” he said.
According to him, the committee has begun work and will collect statements from students and other witnesses, including those willing to speak anonymously, before submitting its findings to the government.
Edo govt moves to prosecute students in viral Igbinedion school video
