Family apologises after viral bullying video at Edo school

The family of a student implicated in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, has issued a public apology to the victim and his family.

The apology follows the circulation of a disturbing video showing several male students assaulting a fellow student who was lying on the ground, while another student recorded the incident.

In response to the incident, the school management earlier announced the expulsion of all students involved.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents expressed shock and deep embarrassment over their child’s involvement.

“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 family acknowledged the pain caused by 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. As parents, we cannot begin to imagine how frightening and hurtful the moment must have been for him. Our hearts go out to him and his family,” the statement added.

While expressing relief that medical reports indicated the victim did not sustain physical injuries, the family recognised the seriousness of the incident and the emotional trauma it may have caused.

They described the situation as a painful moment of reflection and disclosed that they had held serious discussions with their son, who has since expressed deep remorse for 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 read.

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

They also reaffirmed their respect for the disciplinary action taken by the school and again apologised 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 present the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.

The Edo State Ministry of Education has also constituted a five-member investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved, while the state government has promised sanctions for anyone found culpable.

The case has drawn comparisons with a previous bullying incident that sparked nationwide outrage in 2024 at Lead British International School in Abuja, where a student, Namtira Bwala, was repeatedly slapped by fellow students in a video that circulated widely online.