The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, describing the act as disturbing and unacceptable.
The directive followed widespread public anger after a video surfaced online showing two students beating and kicking another student who appeared helpless on the ground.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Kassim Afegbua, confirmed the government’s decision on Monday during an interview on the Sunrise Daily on Channels Television.
Afegbua said the state government acted quickly after seeing the video, which raised serious concerns among parents, teachers and members of the public.
According to him, the behaviour shown in the video was shocking and could not be justified under any circumstance.
“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.
“There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable.”
Afegbua explained that the state government had already taken disciplinary action by directing that the students involved be expelled from the school.
However, he said the government believes the matter should not end with expulsion alone.
According to him, the authorities have also instructed the police to arrest the students involved and ensure they face prosecution if found guilty.
“We took action almost immediately that led to the expulsion of the students involved,” he said.
“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 also disclosed that he personally contacted the Commissioner of Police in the state to ensure that the investigation was moving forward.
The police, he said, are expecting the parents of the students involved to present them for questioning.
“I placed a call to the Commissioner of Police this morning to be sure they are taking steps,” he said.
“He told me he is expecting the parents to bring the students involved, and after investigations, they will be charged in court.”
The Edo State Police Command had earlier summoned the management of the school to hand over the students involved for investigation.
Police authorities said the action was necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone responsible is held accountable.
The incident first came to public attention last week after a video of the attack began circulating on social media, especially on X.
In the video, two male students were seen repeatedly beating another student who was lying on the ground.
One of the attackers was seen dragging the victim by his school suit and stomping on his chest while the boy cried in pain.
A third student who was recording the incident could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop.
The video quickly spread online and triggered anger among many Nigerians who condemned the act and called for strict punishment.
Parents, child rights advocates and education experts expressed concern about the safety of students in schools and the need for stronger discipline.
Many social media users also demanded that the school authorities and the state government take action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the public reaction, the Edo State Ministry of Education announced the formation of a five-member investigative committee to examine the incident.
The committee has been tasked with finding out exactly what happened, identifying all students involved and recommending further action.
Officials said the panel would also review whether school rules and supervision measures were properly followed.
According to the ministry, the investigation will help ensure that anyone responsible for the bullying incident is held accountable.
Education officials also said the committee would recommend measures to prevent similar cases in other schools across the state.
The incident has renewed discussion about bullying in Nigerian schools.
Bullying occurs when stronger or more powerful students repeatedly hurt or intimidate other students.
This can include physical attacks, verbal abuse, threats or humiliation.
In some cases, victims may become withdrawn or afraid to attend school.
Education specialists say schools must take bullying seriously and ensure that clear rules are in place to protect students.
They also stress the importance of teachers and school authorities closely monitoring student behaviour.
Afegbua described the incident as a wake-up call for parents, teachers and school authorities.
He said everyone involved in the education system must play a role in shaping the behaviour and values of students.
According to him, schools must focus not only on academic learning but also on character development and discipline.
He added that parents should also pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour and activities.
The commissioner warned that the government would not tolerate acts of violence or bullying in schools in the state.
In recent years, several bullying incidents captured on video have caused public outrage in Nigeria.
Many of these cases gained attention because students recorded the incidents with their mobile phones and shared them online.
While social media has helped expose such acts, education experts say it also shows the need for stronger supervision and discipline in schools.
Child protection groups have repeatedly called for better counselling programmes and awareness campaigns to teach students about respect and peaceful behaviour.
They also recommend that schools create safe ways for students to report bullying without fear of punishment or retaliation.
The Edo State Government has promised that the investigation will be thorough and that appropriate action will be taken.
Officials say anyone found responsible for the bullying incident will face disciplinary measures and possible legal consequences.
Authorities also said the case will serve as a warning to students across the state that violent behaviour will not be tolerated.
Parents and community leaders have expressed hope that the investigation will bring justice for the victim and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
