Bullying Crackdown: Police Set To Arraign Suspects In Court

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals linked to a widely circulated bullying and assault incident involving students of Igbinedion Education Centre. According to Ireporter Online, the arrests followed a detailed investigation into the disturbing videos that sparked public outrage.

Families of two of the suspects, identified as the Asoro and Uyi families, have reportedly issued formal apologies over the conduct of their children, who were seen participating in the violent acts.

Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the suspects would be prosecuted at the Family Court in line with existing laws governing juvenile justice and child protection. She further revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed an усиление of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in the state, aimed at identifying supervision lapses and preventing future occurrences.

According to the report, preliminary findings indicated that the crisis began earlier in the month following a disagreement between two female students and another student, during which offensive remarks were allegedly made about their late father. The situation escalated after school hours when the aggrieved students reportedly assaulted the victim.

In the course of the altercation, a parent who arrived to pick up her child attempted to intervene but was also attacked by the students, who allegedly tore her clothing. The school management subsequently expelled the students involved over the violent conduct.

Further developments revealed that a retaliatory attack occurred the following day when a male student, whose mother had been assaulted, confronted and attacked another student in what authorities described as an act of revenge. The incident was recorded and shared online, further amplifying the controversy.

The police also confirmed that its advocacy arm, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), has been deployed to schools to intensify sensitisation and reorientation programmes for students and administrators as part of efforts to curb bullying and violence in educational institutions.