The family of a student implicated in a widely circulated bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has issued a public apology over the disturbing episode, expressing deep regret and embarrassment over their son’s conduct.
The apology followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing two male students repeatedly beating and kicking another student who was lying helplessly on the ground, while a third student recorded the assault. The footage sparked widespread outrage among members of the public, parents, and education stakeholders who condemned the act and demanded accountability.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro, the family said they were devastated after watching the video and described the experience as deeply painful and humiliating.
According to the statement, the family was shocked that their son could be associated with behaviour that inflicted pain on another child and brought distress to the victim, his family, and the broader school community.
“Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents,” the statement read. “We are deeply ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that has caused pain and distress to another young student.”
The family extended a direct apology to the victim of the attack, acknowledging that no child deserves to be subjected to violence or humiliation.
“To the student who was affected, we want to say from the depths of our hearts that we are truly sorry,” the family said. “No child deserves to be treated in such a manner. Our hearts go out to him and to his family.”
According to the statement, the victim has undergone medical assessment and is reported to be physically stable. However, the family emphasised that the emotional and psychological consequences of the incident remain a serious concern.
They noted that although the medical reports indicating that the boy is physically fine offered some comfort, the gravity of the situation cannot be measured only by physical injury.
“While this brings some comfort to us as parents, it does not in any way diminish the seriousness of what occurred or the emotional distress that the incident may have caused,” the family stated.
Beyond the victim and his immediate family, the statement also acknowledged the distress caused to the entire school community. The family apologised to the management, teachers, parents, and students of the school, expressing sadness that their son’s actions had attracted negative attention to the institution.
“We also extend our sincere apologies to the management, teachers, parents, and students of Igbinedion Education Centre,” the statement continued. “It deeply saddens us that our son’s actions have brought distress and negative attention to the school community.”
The family further disclosed that they have held extensive discussions with their son since the incident came to light. According to them, the boy has expressed remorse and has begun to understand the consequences of his behaviour.
They said their son now recognises that his actions affected not only the victim but also the reputation of the school and the dignity of his own family.
“He has expressed deep remorse and regret for his actions and understands that what happened has consequences not only for himself but for another child, for the school, and for our entire family,” the statement explained.
The family also revealed that they have begun taking steps to ensure that the student receives the necessary guidance and support to learn from the experience and grow into a more responsible individual.
These steps include counselling and moral guidance aimed at helping him reflect on the seriousness of the incident and develop empathy toward others.
“We are already taking steps to ensure that he receives the guidance, counselling, and moral support necessary to help him reflect, grow, and become a better and more compassionate young person,” the family stated.
Reiterating their regret, the family again apologised to the victim, his relatives, the school community, and the wider public who were disturbed by the disturbing footage.
“To the young boy who was hurt, to his family, to the school community, and to everyone who has been troubled by what they saw, we once again express our deepest apologies,” the statement said.
The family concluded the message by expressing hope that all those affected by the incident would eventually find healing.
“Our family hopes and prays that healing will come to everyone affected by this painful incident,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the incident has attracted the attention of law enforcement authorities and the state government.
The Edo State Police Command has reportedly summoned the management of the school and requested that the students involved in the bullying incident be handed over for investigation.
Police authorities indicated that the case would be examined thoroughly to determine the extent of culpability and whether any legal action should be taken against those involved.
Officials have also warned that acts of violence among students will not be tolerated, especially when they result in physical harm or emotional trauma.
In addition to the police investigation, the Edo State Ministry of Education has initiated an administrative inquiry into the matter.
The ministry announced the establishment of a five-member investigative committee tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying all students who may have played a role in the assault.
The committee has been mandated to determine the events leading up to the incident, assess the involvement of each student captured in the video, and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures.
Education authorities in the state say the investigation will also review the school’s supervision policies and internal mechanisms for addressing bullying and student misconduct.
The viral video has reignited public debate about bullying in schools and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect students from violence and intimidation.
Many parents and child welfare advocates have called for stronger policies and stricter enforcement of anti-bullying measures in schools across the country.
They argue that beyond punishment, schools must also prioritise awareness, counselling, and behavioural education to ensure that students learn respect, empathy, and responsible conduct.
As the investigations by both the police and the state government continue, the incident at Igbinedion Education Centre has become a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing bullying in schools before it escalates into acts of violence that can leave lasting emotional scars.
For now, attention remains focused on ensuring justice for the victim, accountability for those involved, and the restoration of trust within the school community.
