The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage across the state and beyond.
The incident, which was captured in videos circulating on social media, showed a group of students beating, flogging, and kicking another student within the school premises. The disturbing footage quickly drew reactions from parents, education stakeholders, and members of the public, many of whom called for urgent action.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, the command said a full investigation had been carried out and all those directly involved had been identified and taken into custody. He added that the suspects would be charged to a family court, in line with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection in Nigeria.
According to the police, the incident began earlier in the week with a disagreement between students. Preliminary findings showed that on March 5, 2026, two 14-year-old female students had a quarrel with another student. During the argument, the victim reportedly made an offensive remark about the girls’ late father, saying, “Ogun kill your papa.”
Angered by the comment, the two girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. The situation escalated when a parent who had come to pick up her child tried to intervene. The girls reportedly turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes in the process.
School authorities later stepped in and expelled the two girls for their actions, describing their conduct as violent and unacceptable. However, the matter did not end there.
The following day, March 6, the situation took another turn. The son of the assaulted woman allegedly carried out a revenge attack on another student, who was identified as the brother of the two girls involved in the earlier incident. This second attack was recorded by another student and later shared online, making the case widely known.
Police authorities said the viral video showed the victim being physically assaulted by fellow students, raising serious concerns about safety and supervision within the school environment.
“The Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern,” the statement said, adding that all suspects have now been apprehended and will face legal action through the appropriate juvenile justice system.
The police explained that because the suspects are minors, the case will be handled in a family court, which focuses on rehabilitation and correction rather than punishment alone. This approach is in line with Nigeria’s child protection laws, which aim to guide young offenders away from crime and help them reintegrate into society.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State has ordered an immediate strengthening of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in the state. The programme is designed to improve safety, prevent violence, and ensure better supervision of students.
Under this directive, security personnel and school authorities will work together to identify gaps that may have allowed the incident to happen. The aim is to prevent similar cases in the future and restore confidence among parents and students.
The police also said that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has been mobilised to carry out awareness campaigns in schools. These programmes will focus on educating students about the dangers of violence, bullying, and other harmful behaviours.
In many cases, bullying is linked to poor supervision, peer pressure, and a lack of proper guidance for students. Education advocates have repeatedly called for stronger counselling services in schools, as well as closer monitoring of student behaviour.
Parents have also been urged to play a more active role in the upbringing of their children. The police statement stressed the need for families and schools to work together in teaching values such as respect, self-control, and peaceful conflict resolution.
“The Command urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards,” the statement said.
The management of Igbinedion Education Centre has also taken action by expelling the students directly involved in the violence. The school assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of such behaviour and to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about discipline and safety in Nigerian schools. Many parents are now questioning whether enough is being done to protect children from bullying and violence.
Some have called for stricter rules and better enforcement, while others believe that education and counselling should be the main focus. There are also calls for schools to install better monitoring systems, including the use of cameras and increased staff presence in key areas.
Child rights advocates say incidents like this highlight the need for a stronger system that not only punishes wrongdoing but also addresses its root causes. They argue that children who engage in violent behaviour often need guidance and support to change.
The Edo State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served and that steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences. Authorities say they remain committed to protecting children and maintaining law and order across the state.