By Joy Yesufu
The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students of Igbinedion Education Centre involved in a viral bullying incident that has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The state Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on the Sunrise Daily on Channels Television.
Afegbua described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that the state government took immediate action after the video surfaced online showing students allegedly bullying a fellow student.
“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.
According to him, the incident has raised serious concerns among parents and the wider public about discipline in schools and the conduct of students.
“There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable,” Afegbua added.
The commissioner said the state government acted swiftly by directing the school authorities to expel the students involved while also instructing the police to ensure that those responsible face 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,” he said.
Afegbua disclosed that he had personally contacted the Edo State Police Command to ensure that investigations were progressing.
“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 added.
The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated on X, showing two male students physically assaulting another student who was lying on the ground.
In the clip, one of the students was seen dragging the victim by his school uniform and stomping on his chest while the victim cried in pain.
A third student who recorded the incident could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop.
The disturbing footage triggered outrage among social media users and renewed calls for stronger disciplinary measures in Nigerian schools.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has constituted a five-member investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all students involved.
Authorities say the committee will also recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in schools across the state.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe learning environments and warned that acts of violence or bullying in schools would not be tolerated.
