The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a disturbing assault case at Igbinedion Secondary School following a viral video showing two students brutally beating a junior boy.
In the footage circulating widely on social media, two students were seen repeatedly beating, kicking, and dragging a boy believed to be in a junior class on the floor. One attacker used a belt during the assault, and another stomped on the victim’s chest, leaving him crying in pain. The boy could be heard screaming as another student, believed to be recording the video, pleaded with the attackers to stop.
The reason for the assault remains unclear.
In a statement on Sunday, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the police authorities are aware of the viral video.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to proceed to the school and commence a detailed inquiry into the matter,” she said.
“Notwithstanding the action taken by the school, the Edo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Command wishes to assure the general public that the perpetrators involved in the bullying incident will be arrested and made to face the law accordingly, in line with their respective ages and in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
According to Ikoedem, the management of the school maintained that the students involved in the act of bullying had already been expelled from the institution as part of disciplinary measures taken by the school authorities.
In a separate statement released on Sunday, the management of Igbinedion Education Centre confirmed that the two students involved in the assault have been expelled.
“The Igbinedion Education Centre is a zero-tolerance school for bullying, harassment, and all forms of child abuse. In line with this, the school management has expelled the two students who were caught on video physically assaulting a fellow student in one of our dormitories,” the school said.
The statement was signed by the Director of Studies, Lady (Dr.) (Mrs.) Ediale.
The school noted that it has provided counselling for the victim and would work with security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
While condemning acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students, the Command’s spokesperson warned that anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
She called on members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible information that can aid the ongoing investigation.
The command remains reachable on the following 24/7 contact numbers: Emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721 and 08037646272; for Complaints, Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) – 08150999335; and Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08100389992.
