The family of a student linked to a viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, Edo State, has tendered an apology to the victim and his family.
The apology followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a group of male students assaulting another student who was lying on the ground, while one of them filmed the attack.
The school management had earlier announced the expulsion of all students implicated in the incident.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents expressed shock and embarrassment over their child’s involvement in the incident.
According to the statement, watching the viral footage was a deeply painful experience for the family.
It read, “Watching the video has been one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents. We viewed it with shock, sadness and deep embarrassment.”
The family admitted feeling ashamed that their child participated in an act that caused distress to another student.
They also offered a direct apology to the victim and his family, stressing that no child should be subjected to such treatment.
The statement added that although medical reports confirmed the victim did not suffer physical injuries, the family recognised the seriousness of the incident and the emotional trauma it could have caused.
Describing the development as a moment of reflection, the parents disclosed that they had held extensive discussions with their son, who had expressed regret over his actions.
They said the boy had been made to understand the consequences of his behaviour, noting that it affected not only the victim but also the school and their family.
The parents further stated that steps were being taken to ensure the student receives counselling and guidance to help him develop into a more responsible and empathetic individual.
They also expressed respect for the disciplinary action taken by the school and again apologised to the victim, his family and the entire school community.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command had earlier invited the school management to produce the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.
The Edo State Ministry of Education has also constituted a five-member panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found culpable could face prosecution.
The development has drawn comparisons with a similar incident in 2024 at Lead British International School in Gwarinpa, Abuja, where a student, Namtira Bwala, was repeatedly slapped by fellow students in a video that triggered nationwide outrage.