The Edo State Ministry of Education has condemned the violent assault of a student of Igbinedion Education Centre by two fellow students, describing the act as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline and safety upheld in the state’s educational institutions.
A disturbing video went viral on Friday showing two students taking turns to brutalise another student who lay helpless on the floor, while a third student filmed the incident.
In a statement on Saturday, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Edith Ebomoyi, said the government views the incident with deep concern and has taken immediate steps to address it.
“The Edo State Ministry of Education has received with deep concern the disturbing video currently circulating on social media showing a student physically assaulting another student at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City,” the statement read.
“The Ministry strongly condemns this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. 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.”
Following the incident, the ministry has constituted a five-man investigative committee to thoroughly probe the matter. The committee has been mandated to urgently unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and identify all students found culpable.
Ebomoyi warned that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found responsible in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding conduct in schools across the state.
“The Ministry will not tolerate acts of bullying, violence, or any form of misconduct that threatens the safety of students,” she added.
Meanwhile, the management of Igbinedion Education Centre has expelled the two students involved in the assault.
The decision followed public outrage triggered by the viral video showing the attack.
The police have also invited the parents of the victim to file a formal complaint as part of efforts to launch a full investigation into the incident.
The ministry assured parents, school administrators, and the public that it would ensure justice is served and take necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in any school across the state.
It also urged school authorities to reinforce guidance, discipline, and monitoring of students to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
Further updates are expected upon the conclusion of the committee’s investigation.
