The family of a student involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has publicly apologized to the victim, his family and the school community.
The apology followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media showing two male students beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground, while a third student recorded the incident.
The video quickly spread online, drawing widespread criticism and raising concerns about bullying and student safety in Nigerian schools.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the family, the parents said they were shocked and deeply embarrassed by the actions of their son.
They described watching the video as one of the most painful experiences they have faced as parents.
“Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives,” the family said in the statement.
“We are deeply ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that has caused pain and distress to another young student.”
In the statement, the family offered a direct apology to the student who was attacked in the video and to his family.
They said no child deserves to be treated in such a way.
“To the student who was affected, we want to say from the depths of our hearts that we are truly sorry,” the family said.
“No child deserves to be treated in such a manner. Our hearts go out to him and to his family.”
The family also apologised to the management, teachers, parents and students of Igbinedion Education Centre.
They said they were saddened that their son’s actions had brought negative attention to the school.
According to them, the incident has caused distress within the school community.
The family said they had been informed through medical reports that the student who was attacked is physically fine.
However, they acknowledged that the emotional impact of the incident could still be serious.
“While this brings some comfort to us as parents, it does not in any way diminish the seriousness of what occurred or the emotional distress that the incident may have caused,” the statement said.
Such incidents can affect a child’s confidence, mental health and performance in school.
The family also said they have had serious discussions with their son following the incident.
According to them, the student has expressed regret over his actions and understands the consequences.
“He has expressed deep remorse and regret for his actions and understands that what happened has consequences not only for himself but for another child, for the school and for our entire family,” the statement said.
The parents said they are taking steps to ensure their son receives guidance and counselling.
They said the aim is to help him reflect on his behaviour and grow into a more responsible and compassionate person.
“We are already taking steps to ensure that he receives the guidance, counselling and moral support necessary to help him reflect, grow and become a better young person,” the statement added.
Although the full details of the school’s disciplinary measures have not been made public, the family said they accept the actions taken by the school authorities.
They expressed hope that the situation would lead to healing for everyone involved.
The incident has sparked conversations among parents and education experts about the importance of discipline and supervision in schools.
Following the public reaction to the video, the Edo State Ministry of Education has stepped in to investigate the incident.
The ministry announced the creation of a five-member committee to examine what happened and identify all students involved.
The committee is expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate actions.
Officials say the investigation will also help determine whether there were lapses in supervision or school policies that may have contributed to the situation.
Authorities say the aim is to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident in Benin City has added to growing concerns about bullying in schools across Nigeria.
In recent years, several cases of student bullying captured on video have sparked public outrage.
Social media has made it easier for such incidents to become widely known, often leading to calls for stronger discipline and better monitoring in schools.
They warn that when bullying is not addressed quickly, it can create fear among students and damage the learning environment.
Parents and teachers are therefore encouraged to work together to identify early signs of bullying and intervene before situations escalate.
Schools are expected to establish clear rules against violence and harassment and ensure that students understand the consequences of such behaviour.
Teachers and school administrators also play an important role in supervising students and responding quickly to complaints.
Parents, on the other hand, are encouraged to teach children about respect, empathy and peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
Counselling and guidance programs are also considered important in helping students manage anger and emotions.
As the investigation continues, the family involved has said it hopes the apology will help begin a process of healing.
“To the young boy who was hurt, to his family, to the school community and to everyone who has been troubled by what they saw, we once again express our deepest apologies,” the statement said.
The family also said it hopes the incident will serve as a lesson for their son and others about the importance of kindness and respect.
“Our family hopes and prays that healing will come to everyone affected by this painful incident,” the statement concluded.
