Enugu state government orders prosecution of college students who bullied colleague

Maureen Edozie in Enugu

The Enugu State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of students who bullied and assaulted their colleagues in a viral video which surfaced recently, showing a group of male students bullying and assaulting an unidentified student in a school hostel.

Penpushing reports that Commissioner for Education, Ndubueze Mbah, made this known in a statement describing the incident as deeply troubling and emotionally distressing, affirming that the incident was perpetrated by students of Federal Government College, Enugu, at their hostel

The commissioner condemned the act disclosing that the state government had ordered investigation, arrest, and prosecution of the culprits involved in the assault of the student, adding that the government was in communication with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that appropriate sanctions were applied to both the errant students and school managers who may have failed in their duties.

‘The Enugu State Government has zero tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools. The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. Government is resolved to prosecute culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students. Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who tread that part must be ready to face the consequences,” he said.

Penpushing further reports that the commissioner asked educational institutions in the state to remember that they have a role to ensure that the safety and well-being of students are given preference.

The commissioner in the statement warned that there would be dire consequences against harassment, intimidation and violence which violate the core values of respect, equality and freedom of students in the state.

Penpushing also reports that it is recalled that in the viral video the students, numbering about eight, were seen forcing their colleague to lie on the ground while they took turns to assault him.

The Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Dr. Chinedu Mba, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that the incident was not related to cult activities but rather a student bringing Indian hemp into the school, leading to disorderly conduct.

“The attention of the PTA Chairman of the Federal Government College, Enugu, Dr. Chinedu Mba, has been drawn to a video currently trending online regarding an incident at the school. He wishes to clarify that, at the time of the incident, the PTA security guards had not resumed their duties’. Mba said.

‘The PTA security team officially commenced duties on Sunday. Contrary to the rumours, it is untrue that the incident involved cult activities. Rather, a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to some disorderly conduct’, the statement read.

‘It is also worth noting that the student involved failed to inform his parents about his behaviour. Parents are encouraged to counsel their children against engaging in nefarious activities. The online rumours are being promoted by individuals who do not have the best interests of the school at heart’, he added.

‘The PTA security guards, who are well-trained and capable, are dedicated to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all students at FGC Enugu. We remain committed to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment for our students. The Federal Government College, Enugu is a renowned institution established in 1973 to promote unity among students from different regions in Nigeria’.

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