The Edo State Government has directed the arrest and prosecution of students involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Secondary School, declaring that such behavior will not be tolerated in the state’s educational institutions.

The directive follows the circulation of a disturbing video on Friday that captured a violent bullying episode involving students of the school.

In the footage, two male students are seen repeatedly attacking a fellow student who had fallen to the ground. One of the attackers drags the victim by his school uniform and stomps on his chest and head as the boy cries out in pain. A third student, who recorded the incident, can be heard urging the attackers to stop.

The video triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the incident and calling on authorities to take swift action.

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, confirmed that the government has instructed the police to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

“Three students were involved in the incident, and the Commissioner of Police has directed that both the parents and the students report to the command. They will face prosecution,” Afegbua said.

He explained that although the suspects are minors, the law provides appropriate mechanisms for dealing with such cases.

“Even though they are minors, there are juvenile correctional centres where they may be placed if the courts order prosecution,” he added.

Afegbua described the incident as deeply troubling, stressing that both parents and school authorities must take greater responsibility for monitoring students’ behaviour.

“It is very disturbing. Imagine the pain if a child goes to school and the next thing you hear is that the child has died because of the reckless actions of classmates,” he said.

He also revealed that the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the Edo State Police Command to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.

“We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The governor has instructed the police to press charges and also investigate the overall conduct within the school to ensure such behaviour is completely eliminated,” Afegbua stated.

The commissioner further disclosed that the government has established a five-member investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather testimonies from witnesses.

According to him, new information is already emerging about similar incidents that had not previously been reported.

“Some people are coming forward with additional details about related cases we were unaware of. This suggests the issue may be more extensive than initially thought,” he said.

The committee has begun its work and will collect statements from students and other witnesses—including those willing to speak anonymously—before submitting its findings to the government.