The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals involved in the recent bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre. Viral videos showed students being beaten, flogged, and kicked by alleged senior students, sparking widespread concern.
In a statement, the state police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests followed a thorough investigation, and the suspects will be charged in the family court in accordance with laws on juvenile justice and child protection.
“Following a painstaking investigation, all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified and apprehended. They will face the family court under extant juvenile justice laws,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings revealed that the incident began on March 5, 2026, when two 14-year-old female students had a disagreement with a fellow student, reportedly making offensive remarks about the girls’ late father. Angered, the girls attacked the student after school hours. A parent intervened during the assault but was also physically confronted. The school management subsequently expelled the two girls for violent conduct.
On March 6, a retaliatory attack occurred, involving the male student whose mother had been assaulted. The attack was recorded and shared online, prompting the investigation.
In response, the Commissioner of Police has intensified the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across Edo State secondary schools to identify supervision gaps and prevent recurrence. The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has also been mobilised to engage students and school administrators through advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation programmes.
The command urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to strengthen supervision of children, while advising students to avoid violence and report grievances through appropriate channels. “Proactive steps are being taken to ensure justice is served and measures are in place to prevent a reoccurrence,” the statement added.
The Edo State Ministry of Education, through Permanent Secretary Edith Ebomoyi, condemned the violent act, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline, respect, and safety expected in all schools. The school confirmed that the involved students were expelled and assured that such incidents would not happen again.
