The Edo State Ministry of Education has condemned the violent act against a student of the Igbinedion Education Centre by two other students of the same school.
A disturbing video went viral on Friday in which two students took turns to brutalise another student who was lying helpless on the floor.
In a statement released on Saturday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Edith Ebomoyi, the ministry 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 statement read, “The Edo State Ministry of Education has received with deep concern the disturbing video currently circulating on social media showing a student physically assaulting another student at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.
“The Ministry strongly condemns this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. 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.”The ministry assured parents, school administrators, and the public that it would ensure that justice is served and that necessary steps were taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in any school across the state.
The statement added, “The Ministry also urges school authorities to reinforce guidance, discipline, and monitoring of students to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
“Further updates will be communicated upon the conclusion of the committee’s investigation.”
The reported that the police have invited parents of a student of Igbinedion Education Centre, a private secondary school in Benin, Edo State, who was assaulted by some of his classmates as seen in a viral video, to file a formal complaint.
According to the police, the first step is to identify the victim and launch an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the management of the centre has expelled the two students who allegedly assaulted the victim.
The decision follows public outrage after a video surfaced online showing two male students attacking another student while a third student filmed the incident.