Igbinedion school bullying apology issued by the Asoro family after a viral video showed students assaulting a classmate in Benin City

The family of a student involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has issued a formal apology to the victim and his family following widespread outrage over the assault captured in a circulating video.

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The apology, issued on Sunday in a statement signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, came days after footage showed several male students beating and kicking a fellow student who was lying on the ground while another student recorded the attack.

School authorities had earlier announced that all students involved in the incident had been expelled.

In the statement, the Asoro family expressed shock and deep embarrassment after watching the video of the attack.

“Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents. We have watched it with shock, sadness, and deep embarrassment,” the statement said.

The parents acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and 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 that way,” the statement read.

The family also said they could not imagine the fear and pain the incident may have caused the victim and his loved ones.

While expressing relief that medical reports indicated the student was physically unharmed, the parents recognised that the event may have caused emotional distress.

Describing the episode as a painful moment of reflection, the family said they had held serious discussions with their son about the consequences of his actions.

“He understands that what happened has consequences not only for himself but also for another child, the school, and our entire family. We do not excuse what happened.

It was wrong, and we are determined that our son must learn from this moment,” the statement added.

According to the parents, steps are already being taken to ensure their son receives counselling and guidance to help him develop into a more responsible and compassionate person.

The family also expressed respect for the disciplinary measures taken by the school and extended another apology to the victim, his family and the wider school community.

“Our family hopes that healing will come to everyone affected by this painful incident and that our son will learn the lessons needed to become a better person,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command said it had summoned the school management to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.

The Edo State Ministry of Education has also established a five-member investigative committee to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify all students connected to the attack.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and those found culpable could face prosecution.

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The incident has revived national concern over bullying in schools. In 2024, a separate case at Lead British International School in Abuja gained widespread attention after a video showed a student, Namtira Bwala, being repeatedly assaulted by fellow students, triggering nationwide outrage and calls for stronger protections for students.