The Edo State Government has constituted a five-man committee to investigate a bullying incident involving students of the Igbinedion Education Centre following public outrage sparked by a viral video circulating on social media.
The video, which surfaced on Friday, showed two students assaulting a fellow student who was lying on the ground. In the footage, one of the students, believed to be older and physically bigger, was seen repeatedly striking the victim with what appeared to be a belt.
A voice in the background could be heard pleading with the assailant to stop the beating, but the student continued and attempted to stamp on the head of the victim, who tried to shield himself with his hands.
Moments later, another larger student reportedly joined in the assault, kicking the victim and jumping on his ribs while the pleas in the background continued.
The voice was later heard calling one of the attackers “Choice” as he attempted to seize the phone used to record the incident.
Following the incident, the management of the school announced the expulsion of the two students involved.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Ministry of Education strongly condemned the act and described it as unacceptable.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Edith Ebomoyi, the government said the safety and well-being of students remained a top priority.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and runs contrary to the values of discipline, respect and safety which all educational institutions in Edo State are expected to uphold.
“The safety and well-being of every child in our schools remains a top priority of the Edo State Government,” the statement said.
The ministry disclosed that a five-man investigative committee had been set up to thoroughly examine the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding it.
According to the statement, the committee has been mandated to urgently identify all students found culpable, adding that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found responsible in line with the regulations guiding conduct in schools in the state.
The ministry assured parents and the public that justice would be served and that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in schools across Edo State.
It also urged school authorities to strengthen guidance, discipline, and monitoring of students in order to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
