Igbinedion Education Centre expels students over bullying

The management of Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has expelled several students involved in the assault and bullying of a fellow student after a disturbing video of the incident went viral online

The footage, reportedly recorded inside a classroom, captured the victim being severely beaten and flogged by other students.

In the widely circulated clip, two students were seen whipping, kicking and repeatedly striking the victim as he lay helpless on the floor. Other voices in the background could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop.

One of the students involved appeared physically bigger and was believed to be a senior within the school.

The video further showed the student stepping on the victim’s head while he was on the ground. Another student, described as taller and fairer, later continued the assault by kicking the victim, dragging him across the floor and jumping on his ribs. A student who was recording the incident was also heard begging the attacker to stop.

In a statement released on Friday night, the school management confirmed that the students identified in the video had been expelled.

The school described the footage as disturbing and said the behaviour shown by the students violated the institution’s rules and values.

According to the statement, the school maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance against bullying, intimidation, cultism, harassment and any form of violence.

“Following an immediate investigation, the students responsible have been EXPELLED from the school with immediate effect. Such conduct will never be tolerated within our school community.

“Our priority remains the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student. We are providing support to those affected and are working closely with their families to ensure the matter is addressed with the seriousness it deserves.

“The incident has been reported to the appropriate authorities and knowing that the students are minors; the school is cooperating fully.

“We thank all our parents and guardians for their co-operation and standing with the school.”

Reacting to the incident, human rights activist Kola Edokpayi strongly condemned the attack.

“A student brutally assaulting a fellow student in one of the private secondary schools in Benin City.

“This is man inhumanity to man.

“The School Authority should sanction the culprit drastically to serve as a deterrent to other students who want to follow suit.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has urged the victim and his family to come forward and file a formal complaint.

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