Viral bullying incident prompts Edo ministry to investigate school

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Edo State Ministry of Education has set up a five-man committee to investigate a bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City and recommend necessary penalties.

The Ministry also condemned the incident, which went viral on Friday, in the strongest terms.

A video of the incident showed two senior students of the Education Centre bullying a junior student, whipping him with what looked like a belt and matching him on the ground, while a third voice could be heard in the background pleading for the beating to stop.

Though the management of the school reacted promptly on Friday by condemning the act and expelling the two students, the State Ministry of Education, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Edith Ebomoyi, said: “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.

“Following this disturbing development, the Ministry has immediately constituted a five-man investigative committee to thoroughly investigate the incident. The committee has been mandated to urgently unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and identify all students found culpable.

“Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone found responsible in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding conduct in schools within Edo State. The Ministry will not tolerate acts of bullying, violence, or any form of misconduct that threatens the safety of students.

“Parents, school administrators, and the public are hereby assured that the Ministry will ensure that justice is served and that necessary steps are taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in any school across the State.

“The Ministry also urges school authorities to reinforce guidance, discipline, and monitoring of students to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment,” the statement added.