A few days ago, the nation was taken aback by a video that went viral showing how some students of Igbinedion Senior Secondary School, Benin, Edo State, almost beat some of their junior colleagues to stupor. The video has elicited so much condemnation from various segments of the society and though the main culprits have been dealt with, the concern now is how to stop the menace in our schools before more innocent lives are lost or maimed.
Making his contribution, the Director, African Principals Conference Initiative, (APCI), Mr Joseph Ayodele, called for the adoption of anti-bullying policy by all schools.
Though Ayodele lauded the prompt action taken by the management of Igbinedion Senior Secondary School, he added: “As the organizers of the annual National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence in Schools, we view the school’s swift response as a gold standard for institutional accountability. As an Africa Top Schools (ATS) award-winning institution, Igbinedion Senior Secondary School has demonstrated that a functional anti-bullying policy is not just a document, but a lived commitment to student safety.
“The prompt action taken confirmed the efficacy of the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy. APCI and the Federal Ministry of Education expect every school in the federation to domesticate this policy, ensuring that parents and students can clearly predict the responsive actions of school management regarding violence and bullying.
“Building on the success of previous years — where nearly all ATS-rated schools participated — we are calling for 100% participation in the Third National Week of Action. In preparation, APCI is partnering with the Africa Top Schools Awards team to organize a national tour and a student talent hunt competition across every state capital and the FCT.
“The 2026 National Anti-Bullying Debate will appraise the most effective ways to protect students. The central theme will examine whether Restorative Justice, based on “Secure Base” principles, is more effective than traditional punitive measures (suspension/expulsion) in securing Nigerian schools.
“In the 21st-century economy, schools have assumed pseudo-parental responsibilities. Just as a child is not expelled from a family for a first misstep, schools must move away from the ‘rush to expel’ and instead adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and specialized training in student well-being.”
Also speaking on the issue, the Zonal Coordinator of Parent Teacher Association of Unity Colleges in the Southwest, Mr Ayopo Somefun, blamed the development on parents.
“When I saw the video of the Benin incident, I felt bad. It is the fault of the parents majorly. Those watching while the boy was being beaten are co-conspirators. I must be honest, bullying is inherent in most schools. It is a product of poor upbringing. I think school authorities should tell students to speak out when bullied.
“A victim of bullying should have a guardian in his or her school to speak out to. When a student speaks out on bullying, the school must be able to shield the victim from further bullying. There should be CCTV camera coverage of our schools even for security purposes, but you find out that some of these bullying activities take place in private areas where cameras may not be installed. All hands must be on deck to tame the monster,” he submitted.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has commended investigation into the Benin incident.
Also, the Ministry of Education, Edo State, has set up a five-man panel to look into the issue, the police said they would not wait for any official complaints from the parents of the victims for them to commence investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Ene Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered the Divisional Police Officer in the area to commence the process.
The statement read “The Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it is aware of the viral video circulating on social media showing a disturbing incident of bullying involving a schoolboy at Igbinedion Secondary School.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika has directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to proceed to the school and commence a detailed inquiry into the matter.
“The management of the school maintained that the students involved in the act of bullying had already been expelled from the institution as part of disciplinary measures taken by the school authorities.
“Notwithstanding the action taken by the school, the Edo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The Command wishes to assure the general public that the perpetrators involved in the bullying incident will be arrested and made to face the law accordingly, in line with their respective ages and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“The Edo State Police Command totally condemns acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
