Igbinedion school bullying protest erupts as citizens demand action after a viral video showed students brutally assaulting a fellow pupil

Protesters under the banner of Concerned Citizens gathered on Monday at the gate of Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, to condemn a disturbing bullying incident captured in viral videos that showed students physically assaulting a fellow pupil.

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The demonstration followed the circulation of footage in which some students were seen beating, flogging and kicking another student who lay helpless on the floor while others looked on.

Security around the school premises was intensified as the protesters arrived, with operatives of the Department of State Services stationed at the entrance to verify the identity of visitors before allowing access to the compound.

Members of the protest group said they were at the school to demand decisive disciplinary action, insisting that all students identified in the videos should be expelled.

One of the protesters told journalists that the demonstration was aimed at ensuring transparency in the school’s investigation into the incident.

“We want to know the position of other students and how the school has investigated the issue,” the protester said. “What happened at this school is not acceptable in our society and we must all rise up to condemn it.”

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions and temporarily blocked the school’s main gate while calling for stronger measures against bullying in educational institutions.

Officials of the school had earlier announced that the students involved in the assault had been suspended following an internal review.

Some members of staff were seen speaking with the demonstrators at the gate, explaining that disciplinary action had already been taken against those responsible.

A senior member of the school’s management described the incident as unfortunate but assured that measures had been implemented to prevent a recurrence.

“What happened is unfortunate, but the management of the school has taken action and such an occurrence will never happen again,” the official said.

The Edo State Ministry of Education had also condemned the violent act, describing the conduct of the students as unacceptable and inconsistent with the values expected in schools across the state.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Edith Ebomoyi, authorities said the behaviour shown in the viral video contradicts the principles of discipline, respect and safety that all educational institutions in Edo State are required to uphold.

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Education officials said the matter remains under investigation as stakeholders continue to demand accountability and stronger safeguards to protect students.