Chinedu Obieze
The Edo State Police Command has arrested all suspects involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, as authorities move to address growing concerns over student safety and violence in schools.
The command confirmed the development on Saturday in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, noting that those implicated in the incident would be charged to the family court in line with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, involved a series of altercations among students that escalated into physical violence and retaliation over two days.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the situation began with a disagreement between students, during which offensive remarks were allegedly made about a deceased parent. The altercation later escalated when two female students reportedly attacked a fellow student after school hours.
During the confrontation, a parent who intervened was also assaulted, further heightening tensions within the school community.
Authorities said the situation worsened the following day when a retaliatory attack was carried out by another student, believed to be connected to the assaulted parent. The incident was recorded and circulated online, drawing public condemnation.
Following investigations, the police confirmed that all individuals directly involved had been identified and taken into custody.
The command stated that the suspects would face legal proceedings at the family court, emphasizing that the approach aligns with existing laws designed to protect minors while ensuring accountability.
In response to the incident, the school management has expelled the students involved, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on violence.
The Edo State Ministry of Education also condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards expected in educational institutions.
Permanent Secretary Edith Ebomoyi said the behaviour contradicts the values of discipline, respect, and safety that schools are mandated to uphold.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate expansion of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across the state to prevent similar incidents.
The initiative will focus on strengthening supervision within schools, improving security presence, and identifying gaps that may contribute to student misconduct.
In addition, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has been mobilised to engage students and school authorities through sensitisation and reorientation programmes.
The police urged parents, guardians, and school administrators to take greater responsibility in monitoring and guiding the behaviour of children, stressing the importance of early intervention in preventing violence.
The command assured the public that proactive measures are being implemented to maintain safety in schools and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The Edo bullying case has renewed attention on the need for stronger collaboration between families, schools, and law enforcement to address rising concerns about student discipline and safety across the country.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.