By Israel Adebiyi
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, stating that those involved will be charged before the Family Court.
Authorities say the suspects, whose identities are being withheld due to their status as minors, will face trial in line with juvenile justice procedures.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, said preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation involving two underage girls and a male student.
She said: “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern across the state.
“Following a thorough investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified and apprehended. They are being charged to the Family Court in line with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident originated on Thursday, March 5, 2026, when two female students, both aged 14, had a disagreement with a fellow student. During the altercation, the student reportedly made offensive remarks about their late father.
“Angered by the comment, 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. However, the girls turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes. The school management later intervened and expelled the girls for violent conduct.
“On the following day, Friday, March 6, 2026, a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was assaulted, attacked another student in what has been identified as a revenge assault. The victim in the viral video is said to be the brother of the girls involved in the earlier incident. The act was recorded and circulated by another student.”
The Police Public Relations Officer added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in Edo State. The move is aimed at identifying gaps in supervision and preventing a recurrence.
She further noted that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has been mobilized to engage students and school authorities through advocacy and sensitization programmes.
Continuing, she said: “The Command urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards. Students are equally advised to shun violence and report grievances through appropriate channels.
“While appealing to the public to remain calm, the Command assures that proactive steps are being taken to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence. The Edo State Police Command remains committed to maintaining law and order and safeguarding all residents, especially children.”