Combating Harassment: Greater Efforts Needed from Families and Educational Institutions, According to Concerned Parties

The nation was recently shocked by a viral video depicting students of Igbinedion Senior Secondary School, Benin, Edo State, brutally assaulting their junior colleagues, prompting widespread condemnation from various societal segments.

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Although the primary perpetrators have been held accountable, concerns persist about preventing similar incidents in schools to avoid further loss or maiming of innocent lives.

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Mr Joseph Ayodele, Director of the African Principals Conference Initiative, advocated for the implementation of anti-bullying policies in all schools, commending the swift response of Igbinedion Senior Secondary School's management as a model for institutional accountability.

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Ayodele noted that the school's actions demonstrate a functional anti-bullying policy, underscoring the importance of such policies as a lived commitment to student safety, particularly as an Africa Top Schools award-winning institution.

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The prompt action taken by the school confirmed the efficacy of the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy, which the African Principals Conference Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Education expect all schools to adopt, ensuring predictable responses to violence and bullying.

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Building on previous successes, the African Principals Conference Initiative is calling for 100% participation in the Third National Week of Action, partnering with the Africa Top Schools Awards team to organize a national tour and student talent hunt competition across every state capital and the FCT.

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The 2026 National Anti-Bullying Debate will assess the most effective methods for protecting students, focusing on the central theme of whether Restorative Justice, based on "Secure Base" principles, is more effective than traditional punitive measures in securing Nigerian schools.

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According to Ayodele, schools have assumed pseudo-parental responsibilities in the 21st-century economy, necessitating a shift away from punitive measures towards Alternative Dispute Resolution and specialized training in student well-being.

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Mr Ayopo Somefun, Zonal Coordinator of the Parent Teacher Association of Unity Colleges in the Southwest, attributed the development to parental failures, stating that bullying is inherent in most schools due to poor upbringing.

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Somefun emphasized the need for school authorities to encourage students to speak out against bullying, providing a guardian for victims and implementing measures such as CCTV camera coverage to prevent and address bullying.

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The Edo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the Benin incident, with the Ministry of Education setting up a five-man panel to examine the issue, and the police stating that they will not wait for official complaints from the victims' parents to commence the investigation.

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ASP Ene Ikoedem, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced that Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has directed the Divisional Police Officer in the area to commence a detailed inquiry into the matter.

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The police statement assured the public that the perpetrators will be arrested and held accountable in accordance with the law, condemning acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students.