The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of Igbinedion Education Centre students who were involved in a viral bullying episode, describing the act as unsettling and unacceptable.
Kassim Afegbua, the state’s commissioner for information, announced this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
Afegbua added that the government acted quickly after viewing the footage, which showed pupils reportedly bullying a fellow student.
He stated that the episode aroused major concerns among parents and well-meaning Nigerians about school discipline 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 behavior,” he said.
He condemned the incident and insisted that there was no justification for students bullying their peers.
“There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable,” he added.
According to him, the state administration responded quickly by expelling the students implicated and ordered the police to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“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.
The commissioner revealed that he had also contacted the state commissioner of police to ensure that necessary steps were being taken in the investigation.
“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.
According to him, the state administration responded quickly by expelling the students implicated and ordered the police to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
Two male students, in a viral clip shared on X, were seen beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground.
One of the students was caught dragging the victim by his suit and stamping on his chest while the child yelled in anguish, while a third student who videotaped the incident begged them to stop.
The video prompted a significant outcry on social media, triggering disciplinary action from school officials.
The Edo State Police Command had requested the school administration to hand over the kids implicated for inquiry and possible prosecution, with the state government promising punishment against anyone found guilty.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has established a five-member inquiry team to uncover the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and identify any students found liable.
