The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of students involved in a viral bullying and assault incident at Igbinedion Education Centre, following widespread public outrage.

Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests followed a “thorough and painstaking investigation,” noting that all suspects are minors and will be arraigned before a Family Court in line with juvenile justice laws.

According to the police, the incident stemmed from an earlier dispute involving two female students and a male student, during which the boy allegedly made a provocative remark about the girls’ late father.

The comment reportedly led to an after-school attack, which escalated when a parent who tried to intervene was also assaulted.

“When a parent stepped in, they turned on her, physically confronting her and tearing her clothes,” the police said.

The situation worsened the following day when the son of the assaulted woman carried out a retaliatory attack on another student, identified as the brother of the girls involved.

Authorities said the school management has since expelled the students involved, while families of those affected have issued formal apologies.

Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika ordered a statewide reinforcement of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative to address security lapses.

The command also announced plans to intensify sensitisation campaigns in schools through its advocacy unit, POCACOV, to prevent a recurrence.