Fresh videos showing incidents of bullying and assault at Igbinedion Education Centre have surfaced online, raising suspicion that the students involved may be linked to a suspected cult group.
Unconfirmed sources alleged that the group involved is known as the “D12 gang,” though the claim has not been officially verified.
The controversy began after a viral video circulated on Friday showing a student being flogged, kicked, and repeatedly stamped on the head and ribs by fellow students.
Following the outrage generated by the footage, the management of Igbinedion Education Centre issued a statement later that night confirming that the students involved in the assault had been identified and expelled.
However, additional videos that later surfaced appeared to show that more than one student was subjected to the attack.
In one of the new clips, four students were seen kneeling in what appeared to be an empty classroom with several inscriptions written on the walls. Some other students, believed to be seniors, approached them before launching a violent attack, while the victims offered no resistance.
Another video showed a student being beaten while other students looked on and appeared to supervise the assault. Voices in the background warned the victim not to run.
A third clip suggested the assault may have been carried out as retaliation for an earlier incident involving a female student.
The disturbing scenes have triggered widespread reactions on social media, with several commentators describing the incident as resembling a cult initiation ritual.
But a staff member of the institution, who requested anonymity, dismissed the cult initiation allegations. The staff member said the assault stemmed from an earlier dispute involving a student who had been suspended.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to visit the school and begin a detailed investigation.
The spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Eno Ikoedem, said the directive was issued to ensure a thorough probe into the bullying incident despite disciplinary measures already taken by the school authorities to expel the students involved.
“The Command wishes to assure the general public that the perpetrators involved in the bullying incident will be arrested and made to face the law accordingly, in line with their respective ages and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“Edo State Police Command totally condemns acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible information that can aid the ongoing investigation.”
