The police in Edo State have asked the parents of a student who was assaulted by classmates at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City to come forward and file a formal complaint so that an investigation into the incident can begin.
The invitation followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing two students physically attacking another student while a third student recorded the incident.
The disturbing video sparked public outrage across the country and renewed concerns about bullying and violence in Nigerian schools.
Authorities say the victim’s family must file a formal complaint to enable the police to identify the boy and properly investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, the management of Igbinedion Education Centre has expelled the two students accused of carrying out the assault.
The school announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday after the video spread widely online.
According to the school, the behaviour of the students involved in the attack was unacceptable and goes against the values of the institution.
The management said the expulsion followed an internal investigation conducted immediately after the video came to public attention.
“Following an immediate investigation, the students responsible have been expelled from the school with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The school added that such behaviour would not be tolerated within its community.
The video that circulated widely on the social media platform X showed two male students physically attacking another boy who appeared to be their classmate.
In the footage, one of the students dragged the victim by his school suit while the other repeatedly stomped on his chest.
The victim could be heard crying in pain as the assault continued.
A third student, who recorded the video, was heard pleading with the attackers to stop beating the boy.
The video quickly spread online and drew strong reactions from many Nigerians who condemned the actions of the students.
Many social media users called for strict punishment for those involved and demanded that authorities investigate the matter.
Speaking on the incident, the Edo State Police Command said it had begun preliminary steps to investigate the matter.
However, the police said the victim and his parents must come forward to lodge a formal complaint before a full investigation can begin.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, Eno Ikoedem, explained that the complaint would help the police identify the victim and collect details about what happened.
She stressed that bullying and assault are criminal offences under Nigerian law.
“Bullying is a criminal offence. No one is allowed to beat up and dehumanise someone like that,” she said.
“That is somebody’s child irrespective of whatever crime he may have committed.”
She urged the victim’s family to report the case to the police so that those responsible could be properly investigated.
In its statement, the school management strongly condemned the actions of the students seen in the video.
It described the incident as disturbing and said it goes against the core values of the institution.
The school also restated its zero-tolerance policy on bullying and other forms of violent behaviour.
According to the management, acts such as intimidation, harassment, cultism and physical violence are strictly prohibited.
The school said it had reported the matter to the relevant authorities and would cooperate fully with the investigation.
It also noted that the students involved in the incident are minors.
The school said it is working with the families of the students involved and providing support to those affected by the incident.
“We are providing support to those affected and are working closely with their families to ensure the matter is addressed with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement said.
The incident has once again raised concerns about bullying in Nigerian schools.
In recent years, several cases of student violence and intimidation have been reported across the country.
These incidents have sparked debates about school discipline, student supervision and the responsibility of school authorities to protect students.
Parents and child rights advocates say schools must take stronger steps to prevent bullying and ensure the safety of students.
Some have also called for the introduction of more anti-bullying programmes in schools.
When students feel threatened or unsafe, it can affect their academic performance and mental health.
Law enforcement agencies also play an important role in addressing serious cases of school violence.
While schools may impose disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion, the police may become involved if the actions amount to a criminal offence.
In cases where students are minors, investigations are often carried out carefully and may involve parents or guardians.
Child protection laws in Nigeria require that the rights and welfare of children be protected during any legal process.
The viral video has generated strong reactions among Nigerians, many of whom expressed shock at the level of violence shown in the footage.
Some parents have also expressed concern about the safety of children in boarding and day schools.
Others have urged schools to improve monitoring of students to prevent similar incidents.
Many commentators on social media have also praised the school’s decision to expel the students involved in the attack.
However, they say further steps must be taken to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
With the police now calling on the victim’s family to come forward, authorities hope to begin a formal investigation soon.
If the case is officially reported, investigators will gather evidence, speak with witnesses and determine the next steps.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for strong action against bullying and violence in schools.
