The family of a student involved in the viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City has issued a formal apology to the victim and his family, expressing shock and deep embarrassment over their son's conduct.
The apology follows widespread outrage after a video circulated showing several male students beating and kicking another student lying on the ground, while a third student recorded the attack.
The school management had earlier announced that all students involved had been expelled.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents described watching the video as "one of the most distressing and heartbreaking experiences of our lives as parents."
The statement read: "We have watched it with shock, sadness, and deep embarrassment.
As a family, we are ashamed that our child was involved in conduct that caused pain and distress to another student."
The family offered a direct and heartfelt apology to the victim and his relatives.
"To the student who was affected, we want to say from the depths of our hearts that we are truly sorry.
No child deserves to be treated that way.
As parents, we cannot begin to imagine how frightening and hurtful the moment must have been for him.
Our hearts go out to him and his family," the statement said.
While expressing relief that medical reports confirmed the victim was physically unharmed, the family acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and the emotional distress it may have caused.
They revealed that they had held serious discussions with their son, who expressed deep remorse for his actions.
"He understands that what happened has consequences not only for himself but also for another child, the school, and our entire family.
We do not excuse what happened. It was wrong, and we are determined that our son must learn from this moment," the statement added.
The parents confirmed that steps were being taken to ensure their son receives guidance and counselling to develop into a more responsible and compassionate person.
The family reiterated their respect for the disciplinary measures taken by the school and extended another apology to the victim, his family, and the wider school community.
"Our family hopes that healing will come to everyone affected by this painful incident and that our son will learn the lessons needed to become a better person," the statement concluded.
The Edo State Police Command has summoned the school management to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution.
The state government has promised sanctions for anyone found culpable, while the Ministry of Education has set up a five-member investigative committee.
This incident follows a similar case in 2024 when a video showed the brutal bullying of a female student at Lead British International School in Abuja, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed focus on school bullying in Nigeria.
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