By Nonso Adigwe
Society Page Editor
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals involved in the widely condemned bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre.
The development comes days after a disturbing video circulated online, showing a student being brutally assaulted by peers—an incident that sparked outrage across the state and beyond. In response, the school authorities took disciplinary action, expelling several students found to have participated in the attack.
Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that following a detailed investigation, all suspects connected to the case have been identified and taken into custody. He added that the matter will be prosecuted at the family court in line with laws governing juvenile justice and child protection.
According to the police, the incident can be traced back to Thursday, March 5, 2026, when a dispute broke out between two 14-year-old girls and another student. During the confrontation, the victim allegedly made a provocative remark referencing the girls’ late father, which reportedly triggered the violence.
Enraged by the comment, the girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of the altercation, a woman who had come to pick up her child attempted to intervene but was also assaulted, with her clothes reportedly torn in the scuffle. The school management later stepped in and expelled the girls over their actions.
Tensions escalated the following day when a retaliatory attack occurred. The son of the woman who had been assaulted reportedly confronted and attacked the victim seen in the viral video. Investigators say the victim is the brother of the girls involved in the earlier incident. The assault was filmed by another student and subsequently shared online, intensifying public concern.
In response, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate expansion of the “Operation Safe Schools” initiative across secondary schools in Edo State. The directive aims to strengthen supervision, identify lapses within school environments, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Additionally, the police have activated their anti-violence advocacy campaign to engage students, parents, and school authorities through awareness and reorientation programmes focused on conflict resolution and responsible behaviour.
The Command has urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding their children, while advising students to avoid violence and seek appropriate channels to resolve disputes.
Authorities reassured the public that justice will be pursued, emphasizing their commitment to protecting students and maintaining safety within educational institutions.
