The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all suspects involved in the viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre.
Videos circulating online showed students being beaten, flogged, and kicked by supposed senior colleagues, sparking widespread outrage.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, the police disclosed that the arrests followed a detailed investigation and that those involved would be charged before a family court in line with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern and public reactions across the state.
“Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified, while those implicated have been apprehended and are being charged to the family court in accordance with extant laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident originated on Thursday 5/03/2026 when two female students, names withheld, both aged 14, had a disagreement with a fellow student. During the altercation, the said student reportedly uttered offensive words directed at their late father, specifically saying, ‘Ogun kill your papa.’
“Angered by the remark, the girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of the assault, a parent, who had come to pick up her son, intervened but the two girls, still enraged, turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes. The school management subsequently intervened and expelled the girls for engaging in violent conduct.
“On the following day (06/03/2026), a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was earlier assaulted, attacked the victim in the viral video in what has been identified as a revenge assault, which was recorded and posted by one of the students. The victim being the brother of the girls that assaulted his mother.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in Edo State, with a mandate to identify the gap in supervision and leverage lessons learnt in this matter, to prevent a recurrence.
“Additionally, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has been mobilised to engage students and school administrators through advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation programmes.
“The Command, therefore, urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards, while advising students to shun violence and report grievances through appropriate channels.
“While appealing to members of the public to remain calm, the command assures that proactive steps were being taken to ensure that justice is not only served but that measures are also emplaced to prevent a reoccurrence.”
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting residents, especially children.
The Edo State Ministry of Education also condemned the incident. The Permanent Secretary, Edith Ebomoyi, described the behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline, respect, and safety expected in schools across the state.
The school authorities have since expelled the students involved and assured the public that measures are in place to prevent a recurrence.
What you should know
The incident highlights growing concerns about bullying and student violence in schools, especially when conflicts escalate beyond school premises.
Authorities are now focusing on stricter supervision, student reorientation, and enforcement of child protection laws.
The involvement of law enforcement and family courts shows a serious approach to juvenile misconduct, while initiatives like Safe Schools aim to prevent future occurrences through awareness and improved monitoring in educational institutions.
