Edo Police Arrest Igbinedion School Bullying Suspects, To Face Juvenile Court
The Edo State Police Command has officially announced the apprehension of all individuals connected to the disturbing bullying incident that occurred at Igbinedion Education Centre. This development follows a week of widespread public outcry after a graphic video circulated on social media platforms, depicting a student being subjected to severe physical abuse by fellow pupils.
Investigation Leads to Arrests and Charges
In a detailed statement released by Police Spokesman Eno Ikoedem, the command confirmed that a thorough and painstaking investigation has been concluded. All suspects directly implicated in the incident have been identified and taken into custody. According to the statement, these individuals will be charged to the family court, in strict adherence to the extant laws governing juvenile justice and child protection in Nigeria.
The police statement emphasized: "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 our investigation, we confirm that all individuals directly connected have been identified, while those implicated have been apprehended and are being charged to the family court."
Chronology of the Violent Incident
Preliminary police investigations have uncovered a detailed sequence of events leading to the assault. The incident reportedly originated on Thursday, March 5, 2026, when two female students, both aged 14, engaged in a disagreement with a fellow student. During this altercation, the student allegedly uttered offensive words directed at the late father of the two girls, specifically stating, 'Ogun kill your papa.'
Enraged by this remark, the two girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of this assault, a parent who had arrived to pick up her son intervened. However, the two girls, still furious, turned their aggression towards the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes. The school management subsequently intervened and expelled the girls for engaging in violent and unacceptable conduct.
On the following day, Friday, March 6, 2026, a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was assaulted the previous day, attacked the victim seen in the viral video. This was identified as a revenge assault, which was recorded and posted online by one of the students. The victim in the video is the brother of the girls who had assaulted the boy's mother.
Police Launch Proactive Security Measures
In response to this incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across all secondary schools in Edo State. This initiative has a clear mandate to identify gaps in supervision and leverage lessons learned from this matter to prevent any future recurrence of such violence.
Additionally, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has been mobilized. This campaign will engage students and school administrators through comprehensive advocacy, sensitization, and reorientation programmes aimed at promoting non-violence and proper conflict resolution.
The police command has issued a strong appeal to parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards. Students are strongly advised to shun violence and report any grievances through appropriate and lawful channels.
Commitment to Justice and Prevention
The Edo State Police Command has assured the public that proactive steps are being taken to ensure that justice is not only served but that concrete measures are also emplaced to prevent a reoccurrence. The command remains fully committed to maintaining law and order and safeguarding all residents, with a particular focus on the protection of children within the state.
While appealing for public calm, the police reiterated their dedication to a thorough judicial process and the implementation of preventive strategies to foster a safer educational environment for all students in Edo State.
