The family of a student involved in a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has formally apologised to the victim and his family.
The apology follows the circulation of a video showing several male students beating and kicking another student lying on the ground, while a third student recorded the attack.
The school management had earlier announced that all students involved had been expelled.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents expressed shock and deep embarrassment over the incident.
“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 read.
“As a family, we are ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that caused pain and distress to another student,” it added.
The family apologised directly to the victim and his relatives, noting that no child deserves to be treated in such a manner.
“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 said.
While the family expressed relief that medical reports confirmed the victim was physically unharmed, they acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and the emotional distress it may have caused.
Describing the episode as a painful moment of reflection, they said they had held serious discussions with their son, who 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.
The parents added that steps were being taken to ensure their son receives guidance and counselling to help him develop into a more responsible and compassionate person.
They also reiterated their 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.
Earlier, 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 Government also promised sanctions for anyone found culpable.
The state Ministry of Education has set up a five-member investigative committee to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify all students involved. The police confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable could face prosecution.
This is not the first Nigerian secondary school bullying case to attract national attention. In 2024, a video surfaced showing the brutal bullying of a female student at Lead British International School in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The victim, Namtira Bwala, was repeatedly slapped by fellow students, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
The PUNCH