NIGERIA: Family Apologises Over Son’s Bullying Act In Edo School

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The family of a student involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has apologised for the actions of their son.

The apology follows the circulation of a video on social media showing a student being assaulted by his schoolmates within the premises of the private secondary school.

In the footage, two male students were seen attacking another student lying on the ground while a third student recorded the incident.

One of the attackers was seen dragging the victim by his school suit and stomping on his chest as the boy cried in pain, while the student filming the incident was heard pleading with the attackers to stop.

Reacting to the incident, the family, in a statement signed by Tim Asoro, described the video as distressing and expressed deep regret over their son’s conduct.

“Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents. We are deeply ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that has caused pain and distress to another young student,” the statement read.

The family also apologised directly to the victim and his relatives.

“To the student who was affected, we want to say from the depths of our hearts that we are truly sorry. No child deserves to be treated in such a manner. Our hearts go out to him and to his family.”

They added that medical reports showed the victim was physically fine but acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident.

“While this brings some comfort to us as parents, it does not in any way diminish the seriousness of what occurred or the emotional distress that the incident may have caused.”

The family further apologised to the management, teachers, parents and students of Igbinedion Education Centre, saying the incident had brought distress and negative attention to the school community.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has invited the school management to produce the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.

The Edo State Ministry of Education has also set up a five-member committee to investigate the incident and i

dentify those responsible.