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Arrests Confirmed After Circulation of Assault Footage
Police authorities in Edo State have arrested students involved in a bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage triggered by a viral video showing the assault of a fellow student.
Ejes Gist News reports that the Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrests and disclosed that the suspects would be prosecuted in a family court in accordance with laws governing juvenile justice and child protection. The confirmation was made in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem.
According to the police, all students directly linked to the incident have been identified and taken into custody after what was described as a comprehensive investigation.
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“Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the command confirms that all the students 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,” the statement said.
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Viral Video Sparks Nationwide Reaction
Ejes Gist News gathered that the arrests followed the circulation of a video showing two students physically attacking a fellow student within the school premises.
The footage, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompted strong reactions from the public, with calls for accountability and immediate intervention by authorities.
Government officials in Edo State subsequently directed security agencies to ensure that those involved were apprehended and prosecuted, warning that acts of violence in schools would attract legal consequences.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered the expansion of the Operation Safe Schools initiative across secondary schools in Edo State.
The police outlined key objectives of the initiative, including:
- Identification of gaps in school supervision
- Strengthening of preventive safety measures
- Implementation of lessons from the incident to avoid recurrence
The command also confirmed the activation of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices to engage students and school authorities through sensitisation and behavioural reorientation programmes.
The Edo State Police Command stated that it remains committed to maintaining law and order while safeguarding students and other residents.
Authorities assured the public that measures have been put in place to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future, while urging calm as the legal process proceeds.
The management of Igbinedion Education Centre had earlier expelled the students involved in the incident following the public backlash.
The escalation of the matter to law enforcement indicates that the case is being treated as a criminal issue beyond internal disciplinary measures.
Juvenile Court Proceedings Expected
Police confirmed that the suspects would be charged in a family court, which handles cases involving minors under Nigeria’s juvenile justice framework.
The Child Rights Act and related state laws provide for procedures that balance accountability with rehabilitation for young offenders, with proceedings conducted in a manner that protects their welfare.
The incident has renewed attention on bullying and student safety in Nigerian schools, raising concerns about supervision, discipline, and enforcement of existing policies.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Strengthening anti-bullying frameworks in schools
- Enhancing monitoring of student behaviour
- Increasing parental and institutional responsibility
- Addressing the psychological impact of school violence
- Reinforcing legal consequences for serious misconduct
Timeline of Events
- Week prior: Video of bullying incident emerges online
- Following days: Public outrage escalates; school expels involved students
- March 21, 2026: Police confirm arrests and announce prosecution in family court
Ejes Gist News Nigeria continues to track developments, including the commencement of family court proceedings and further actions by education and law enforcement authorities.
