The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals involved in the widely circulated bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, assuring the public that the suspects will face prosecution in line with juvenile justice laws.
The disturbing incident, which sparked outrage across social media, showed a student being violently assaulted—flogged, punched, kicked, and repeatedly attacked by fellow students.
The development triggered swift reactions from authorities and the school management.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the command disclosed that a thorough investigation had been conducted, leading to the identification and arrest of all those directly connected to the incident.
According to the statement, the suspects will be charged before a family court in accordance with existing laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
Providing details of the events, the police revealed that the crisis began on March 5, 2026, following a disagreement between two 14-year-old female students and another student. During the altercation, the victim reportedly made offensive remarks about the girls’ late father, provoking anger.
The girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. During the assault, a parent who had come to pick up her child attempted to intervene but was also attacked by the enraged students, who reportedly dragged her and confronted her physically. The school authorities later expelled the girls for their involvement in the violence.
The situation escalated the following day, March 6, when a retaliatory attack occurred. A male student, identified as the son of the assaulted parent, reportedly carried out a revenge assault on another student—who was said to be the brother of the girls involved in the earlier incident.
This second attack was recorded and shared online, fueling widespread condemnation.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State ordered the immediate reinforcement of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in the state.
The initiative is aimed at identifying lapses in supervision and strengthening preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
In addition, the police have activated the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices to intensify advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation efforts among students and school authorities.
The command urged parents, guardians, and school administrators to take greater responsibility in supervising children and instilling proper values, while advising students to resolve conflicts through appropriate and non-violent channels.
While appealing for calm, the police reassured residents that justice would be served and that proactive steps are being implemented to safeguard children and maintain law and order across the state.