By Obinna Uballa
The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students of Igbinedion Education Centre involved in a viral bullying incident, describing the act as disturbing and unacceptable.
The state Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, noting that the government acted swiftly after the video surfaced online.
Afegbua said the footage, which showed students allegedly assaulting a fellow student, had generated serious concern among parents and the wider public over discipline in schools and student conduct.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the state government would not tolerate any form of bullying, describing the act as completely unacceptable.
“There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable,” he added.
According to him, the government responded immediately by ordering the expulsion of the students involved and directing the police to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
“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 said.
He added that he had contacted the Commissioner of Police in the state to confirm that the police had begun taking necessary steps toward investigating the matter.
“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 commissioner described the incident as a wake-up call to parents, teachers and school authorities, stressing the need for stronger supervision and discipline in schools to prevent similar incidents.
The New Diplomat had reported that the video, which circulated widely on social media platform X, showed two male students repeatedly beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground.
In the disturbing footage, one of the attackers was seen dragging the victim by his school uniform and stomping on his chest while the boy cried in pain. A third student who recorded the incident was heard pleading with them to stop.
The clip sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for strict disciplinary and legal action against those involved.
Following the incident, the Edo State Police Command summoned the management of the school and directed them to hand over the students implicated in the assault for investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has set up a five-member investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all students found culpable.
The state government has also assured the public that anyone found responsible will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
