The Edo State Ministry of Education has condemned the assault of a student by two classmates at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, describing the act as unacceptable and contrary to the values expected in schools across the state.
A video circulating on social media on Friday showed two students taking turns to attack another student who lay helpless on the floor while the incident was recorded.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Edith Ebomoyi, said the government was deeply concerned about the incident and had taken immediate steps to address it.
“The ministry has received with deep concern the disturbing video showing a student physically assaulting another student at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City,” she said.
She added that the government strongly denounced the act, stressing that violence and bullying have no place in the state’s schools.
“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 remain a top priority of the Edo State Government,” Ebomoyi stated.
According to her, the ministry has set up a five-member investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine those responsible.
“Following this development, the ministry has constituted a five-man investigative committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and identify all students found culpable,” she said.
Ebomoyi assured that disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found guilty in line with the regulations guiding schools in the state.
She also urged school authorities to strengthen supervision and reinforce discipline to prevent similar incidents.
“We will not tolerate bullying, violence or any form of misconduct that threatens the safety of students. Appropriate sanctions will be applied in accordance with established school rules,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force has invited the parents of the victim to file a formal complaint to aid investigations into the assault.
Reports also indicate that the management of the school has expelled the two students alleged to have carried out the attack following widespread public outrage over the viral video.
