Angry protesters, operating under the aegis of Concerned Citizens, on Monday converged on Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, to protest an alleged case of bullying involving students of the school.
The demonstration followed the circulation of a viral video showing a student being repeatedly beaten and kicked by suspected senior colleagues within the school compound.
Security presence was heightened at the institution, with operatives stationed to prevent the protesters from entering the premises.
A visit by our correspondent revealed that personnel of the Department of State Services were positioned at the school gate, where they screened individuals before allowing access.
The protesters said they stormed the school to press for the expulsion of all students captured in the viral footage, while also demanding transparency on the outcome of the school’s internal investigation.
One of the demonstrators described the incident as unacceptable and called for collective action to discourage such behaviour in society.
The group displayed placards bearing different messages and briefly blocked the school entrance during the protest.
In response, some members of staff appealed for calm, informing the protesters that the students involved had already been placed on suspension.
A senior official of the school management, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed regret over the incident, assuring that necessary disciplinary steps had been taken to address the situation and prevent a recurrence.
The Edo State Ministry of Education had earlier condemned the act, describing it as contrary to acceptable standards in the state’s school system.
The disturbing video, which surfaced online on Friday, showed two students taking turns to assault another student lying helpless on the ground.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Edith Ebomoyi, faulted the conduct, noting that it violated the principles of discipline, respect, and safety expected in schools across Edo State.