Benin School Bullying: Family Of Student In Viral Video Tenders Apology

The family of one of the students involved in the viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has issued a public apology, expressing deep remorse over the actions captured in the widely circulated video.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro, the family said they were shocked and embarrassed by the footage, which showed two male students beating and kicking another student who was lying on the ground while a third student recorded the assault.

“Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents. We are deeply ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that has caused pain and distress to another young student,” the statement read.

The family apologised directly to the victim, his family, and the wider school community.

“To the student who was affected, we want to say from the depths of our hearts that we are truly sorry. No child deserves to be treated in such a manner. Our hearts go out to him and to his family,” they said.

According to the family, medical reports indicate that the victim is physically stable, though they acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident.

“While this brings some comfort to us as parents, it does not in any way diminish the seriousness of what occurred or the emotional distress that the incident may have caused,” the statement added.

They also extended apologies to the management, teachers, parents, and students of Igbinedion Education Centre, noting that they were saddened that their son’s actions had brought negative attention to the school.

The family disclosed that they had held serious discussions with their son, who they said had expressed deep remorse and understood the consequences of his actions.

“He has expressed deep remorse and regret for his actions and understands that what happened has consequences not only for himself but for another child, for the school, and for our entire family,” the statement said.

They added that steps were already being taken to provide the boy with guidance and counselling to help him reflect on the incident.

“We are already taking steps to ensure that he receives the guidance, counseling, and moral support necessary to help him reflect, grow, and become a better and more compassionate young person,” the statement noted.

The family reiterated its apology to the victim, his relatives, and members of the school community, expressing hope that healing would follow the incident.

“Our family hopes and prays that healing will come to everyone affected by this painful incident,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has summoned the school management to produce the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.

In a related development, the Edo State Ministry of Education has constituted a five-man investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all students found culpable.