The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals linked to the bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, which recently sparked outrage after disturbing videos circulated online.
Footage from the school showed students being physically assaulted—beaten, kicked, and flogged—by peers believed to be senior students. The incident drew widespread condemnation and prompted swift police action.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that following a detailed investigation, all those involved had been identified and taken into custody.
He added that the suspects would be prosecuted at the family court in line with laws governing juvenile justice and child protection.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern and public reactions across the state.
Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals 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.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident originated on Thursday 5/03/2026 when two female students, names withheld, both aged 14, had a disagreement with a fellow student.
During the altercation, the said student reportedly uttered offensive words directed at their late father, specifically saying, ‘Ogun kill your papa.’
“Angered by the remark, the girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of the assault, a parent, who had come to pick up her son, intervened but the two girls, still enraged, turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes.
The school management subsequently intervened and expelled the girls for engaging in violent conduct.
On the following day (06/03/2026), a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was earlier assaulted, attacked the victim in the viral video in what has been identified as a revenge assault, which was recorded and posted by one of the students. The victim being the brother of the girls that assaulted his mother.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in Edo State, with a mandate to identify the gap in supervision and leverage lessons learnt in this matter, to prevent a recurrence.
“Additionally, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has been mobilised to engage students and school administrators through advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation programmes.
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“The Command, therefore, urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards, while advising students to shun violence and report grievances through appropriate channels.
“While appealing to members of the public to remain calm, the command assures that proactive steps were being taken to ensure that justice is not only served but that measures are also emplaced to prevent a reoccurrence.”
According to the police, the situation began on March 5, 2026, when a dispute between two 14-year-old girls and another student escalated after the latter allegedly made an offensive remark about their late father.
The girls reportedly attacked the student after school hours, and when a parent intervened, they turned on her as well, physically assaulting her before school authorities stepped in and expelled them.
The following day, the son of the assaulted woman allegedly carried out a revenge attack on the brother of the girls involved. This second incident was captured on video and shared widely, intensifying public concern.
In response, the Commissioner of Police has directed the усилification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in the state to address supervision gaps and prevent similar occurrences.
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has also been activated to engage students and school officials through awareness and behavioural reorientation programmes.
The command called on parents, guardians, and school authorities to be more proactive in guiding children, while urging students to avoid violence and use proper channels to resolve conflicts. It assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining safety, particularly for children.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education, through Permanent Secretary Edith Ebomoyi, condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of discipline, respect, and safety expected in schools.
The school management also confirmed the expulsion of the students involved and pledged to take measures to prevent a recurrence.