Edo government orders arrest and prosecution of students over bullying incident

The Edo state government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of all students of Igbinedion Education Centre captured in a viral video bullying and assaulting a fellow student. 

The state Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, March 16. He stated that the government took immediate action after seeing the video, which showed students allegedly bullying a fellow student.

He said the incident had raised serious concerns among parents and well-meaning Nigerians about discipline in schools and the conduct of students.

“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. There will be no justification for that kind of treatment. It is very unacceptable,” he added.

According to him, the state government moved swiftly by expelling the students involved while also directing the police to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

“We took action almost immediately that led to the expulsion of the students involved. 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. I placed a call to the Commissioner of Police this morning to be sure they are taking steps. He told me he is expecting the parents to bring the students involved, and after investigations, they will be charged in court” he said

The viral video showed two male students beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground. One of the students was captured dragging the victim by his suit and stomping on his chest while the boy cried in pain, as a third student who recorded the incident pleaded with them to stop.