The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students of Igbinedion Education Centre who were involved in a bullying incident captured in a viral video, describing the act as disturbing and unacceptable.
The state Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on the Sunrise Daily programme on Channels Television.
Afegbua explained that the government acted swiftly after the video surfaced online showing some students allegedly assaulting a fellow student. According to him, the footage sparked serious concern among parents and members of the public about discipline and student behaviour in schools.
He described the incident as deeply troubling, stressing that there could be no justification for such conduct among students.
The commissioner noted that the state government immediately ordered the expulsion of the students involved and instructed the police to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Afegbua added that he had contacted the Commissioner of Police in the state to confirm that necessary steps were being taken to investigate the incident. According to him, the police are expecting the parents of the students involved to present them, after which investigations will be conducted before charges are filed in court.
He further described the incident as a wake-up call for parents, teachers and school authorities, emphasising the need for stronger supervision and discipline in schools to prevent similar occurrences.
The bullying incident, which went viral on social media, showed two male students beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground. In the video, one of the students was seen dragging the victim by his school suit and stepping on his chest while the boy cried in pain. Another student who recorded the incident could be heard pleading with them to stop.
The video generated widespread outrage online, prompting disciplinary action by the school management.
Earlier, the Edo State Police Command had summoned the school authorities to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has constituted a five-member investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those found culpable.
Advertisement
