- Safiu Kehinde
The Edo State Police Command has commenced probe on the bullying of a junior student by a group of senior students in Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin city, the state’s capital.
NPO Reported that a viral video had earlier last week surfaced online with two senior students captured brutalising the junior colleague.
This had sparked public outrage with members of the public calling for disciplinary action against the senior students by the school management as well as arrest of the students.
In reaction, the management of the Igbinedion Education Centre would on Friday announced the expulsion of the senior students with a video capturing the moment one of the expelled was jeered by staff and other students as he was escorted to his father’s car.
While admitting being aware of the viral video and expulsion of the students, the Edo Police Command in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem,
The Police maintained that comprehensive investigation has commenced over the case as directed by the Edo Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika.
“The Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it is aware of the viral video circulating on social media showing a disturbing incident of bullying involving a schoolboy at Igbinedion Secondary School.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to proceed to the school and commence a detailed inquiry into the matter.
“The management of the school maintained that the students involved in the act of bullying had already been expelled from the institution as part of disciplinary measures taken by the school authorities.
“Notwithstanding the action taken by the school, the Edo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.” Ikoedem wrote.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the senior students involved will be arrested despite being already expelled by the school as Ikoedem reiterated the command’s stance against bullying, violence and intimidation among students.
“The Command wishes to assure the general public that the perpetrators involved in the bullying incident will be arrested and made to face the law accordingly, in line with their respective ages and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“The Edo State Police Command totally condemns acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible information that can aid the ongoing investigation.” The police spokesperson added.