The management of Igbinedion Education Centre has confirmed the expulsion of students involved in a viral bullying incident that has triggered widespread outrage on social media.
A video that began circulating online on Friday, March 13, 2026, showed one student repeatedly flogging another with a belt while other students watched. The footage quickly generated strong reactions from Nigerians, many of whom condemned the act and called for firm disciplinary action.
In a statement released the same day, the school said it had taken immediate steps after becoming aware of the incident. According to the management, the behaviour captured in the video violates the institution’s core values and disciplinary standards.
“The behaviour shown in the video is deeply disturbing and is a direct violation of the values and standards we uphold,” the school said in its statement.
The management emphasised that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, violence, or intimidation within its premises.
Following an internal review of the incident, the school announced that the students involved had been expelled with immediate effect.
“Our school community will never tolerate this kind of behaviour. After an immediate investigation, the students involved have been expelled,” the statement added.
The school also confirmed that the matter had been reported to the appropriate authorities, noting that the individuals involved are minors. It added that support is being provided to those affected while the institution works closely with their families to address the situation.
“Our priority remains the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student,” the school said.
The incident has also drawn reactions from public figures, including Omosede Igbinedion, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ovia Federal Constituency and a former student of the school.
In a statement posted on her verified Facebook page, the lawmaker described the incident as deeply troubling while commending the school’s swift response.
“I find the incident deeply disturbing,” she said. “Igbinedion Education Centre has long stood for discipline, respect, excellence and the nurturing of young minds in a safe environment. Any act that undermines these values must be firmly condemned.”
She added that bullying in schools must not be tolerated and called for greater collaboration among parents, educators and the wider community to guide young people.
“Our schools must remain spaces where every child feels safe, protected and respected,” she stated.
The viral video has also sparked a broader conversation online about bullying in Nigerian schools. Many social media users said such incidents occur more frequently than reported and only gain attention when recorded and shared online.
Some commentators also questioned whether expulsion alone is sufficient, arguing that deeper interventions may be needed to address the root causes of bullying.
The issue of bullying in Nigerian schools previously gained national attention in December 2021 following the death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College in Lagos.
Oromoni’s family alleged that he was assaulted by fellow students after refusing to join a cult group within the school. His death sparked nationwide outrage, with more than 180,000 people signing petitions demanding justice.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the school and renewed national debate about student safety and discipline in boarding schools.
Despite increased awareness since then, education stakeholders say bullying remains a persistent concern in Nigerian schools, underscoring the need for stronger supervision, character education and institutional safeguards to protect students.
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