- Safiu Kehinde
The Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has expelled its secondary school students captured in a viral video bullying a junior student.
NPO Reported that a disturbing video had on Friday surfaced online showing two senior students physically assaulting their junior colleague while being recorded.
One of the senior students could be seen beating the junior student with belt and kicking him.
The second student, who appeared to be the gang leader, dragged the boy with his suit and stomped his chest.
This had however sparked public outrage with netizens demanding the expulsion arrest of the senior students over the act of bullying.
In the wake of the development, the management of the Igbinedion Education Centre released a statement confirming the occurrence of the incident.
While reiterating the school’s zero-tolerance policy against bullying, cultism, intimidation, and any form of violence, the management announced the expulsion of the senior students whose names were not disclosed.
“We are aware of a video currently circulating online showing a serious incident of bullying and physical assault involving students at the school.
“The behaviour shown in the video is deeply disturbing and stands in direct violation of the values and standards we uphold. The school maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, cultism, intimidation, harassment, and any form of violence.
“Following an immediate investigation, the students responsible have been EXPELLED from the school with immediate effect. Such conduct will never be tolerated within our school community.” The statement partly read.
The school management further disclosed the incident has been reported to appropriate authorities as it reiterated its commitment to safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student.
“Our priority remains the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student.
“We are providing support to those affected and are working closely with their families to ensure the matter is addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
“The incident has been reported to the appropriate authorities and knowing that the students are minors; the school is cooperating fully.” The Igbinedion Centre management added.
Following their expulsion, another video capturing the humiliating moment the leader of the gang was leaving the school surfaced online.
As seen in the video, students and some staff of the school could be heard jeering the expelled senior student.
Despite the show of shame, the expelled student however turned back intermittently with his hands raised and palms clasped together in a form of apology while been escorted to his father’s car.
His father was also not spared from the humiliation as he was booed with some of the staff and students calling him names.
See video below