We’re Ashamed”: Edo Family Apologizes After Son Bullies Classmate

The family of a student involved in a bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has issued a public apology to the victim and his relatives following the circulation of a viral video showing the attack.

According to reports, the clip depicted a group of male students assaulting another student who was lying on the ground, with one of the attackers recording the incident on a phone. The video quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread public concern.

The school’s management subsequently announced that the students involved had been expelled.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents expressed shock and deep embarrassment upon viewing the footage. They described watching the incident as a painful experience and acknowledged that their son’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. The family apologised to the victim and his relatives, stressing that no child should be subjected to such treatment.

The parents said they were relieved that medical checks confirmed the victim did not sustain physical injuries, though they acknowledged the emotional impact the incident may have caused. They further stated that they had serious discussions with their son, who has expressed regret and an understanding of the wider consequences of his actions on the victim, the school, and their family.

According to the statement, the family is committed to guiding their son through counselling and proper mentorship to ensure he learns from his mistake and takes full responsibility for his actions. They also affirmed their support for the school’s disciplinary measures and reiterated their apology to the entire school community.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has requested that the school present the students involved to facilitate investigations, noting that legal action could follow.

The incident has renewed national attention on bullying in Nigerian secondary schools. A similar case in 2024 at Lead British International School in Gwarinpa, Abuja, involved a female student, Namtira Bwala, being physically assaulted by classmates, generating widespread public outrage.