Edo Govt Probes Bullying At Igbinedion School

Following outrage over a bullying incident involving two students against a fellow student at the Igbinedion Education Centre on Friday, the Edo State government has set up a five-man committee to investigate the incident and recommend necessary penalties.

A viral video on Friday showed a student, apparently bigger in size and likely a senior, beating a supposed fellow student who was lying on the ground.

In the video, a student was seen beating the student on the ground with what looked like a belt while a voice could be heard at the background pleading that the beating should stop, but he continued and even tried to stamp his foot on the head of the student on the ground who tried to shield himself with his hands.

While the voice was still pleading, another bigger student took over the beating, kicked him and jumped on the ribs of the student still on the floor while the voice kept pleading until the bigger boy whom the voice started calling ‘Choice’ tried to take away the phone that seemed to be recording the scene from the one handling it.

Although the management of the school has announced the expulsion of the two students, the Ministry of Education condemned the act in strong terms.

A statement by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Edith Ebomoyi said, “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 remains a top priority of the Edo State Government.

“Following this disturbing development, the ministry has immediately constituted a five-man investigative committee to thoroughly investigate the incident. The committee has been mandated to urgently unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and identify all students found culpable.

“Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone found responsible in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding conduct in schools within Edo State. The ministry will not tolerate acts of bullying, violence or any form of misconduct that threatens the safety of students.

“Parents, school administrators and the public are hereby assured that the ministry will ensure that justice is served and that necessary steps are taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in any school across the state.

“The ministry also urges school authorities to reinforce guidance, discipline, and monitoring of students to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.”