ENUGU, Nigeria – The Enugu State Government, ENSG, has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of students involved in a widely publicised bullying incident at the Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu, after a video of the assault surfaced on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah expressed deep concern, describing the incident as “emotionally distressing” and reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards bullying in schools.
The state government, he announced, is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that all individuals involved, including any school officials who may have neglected their responsibilities, are held accountable.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount,” Prof. Mbah stated, referencing Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s “substantial investments in education” as a testament to their commitment to safe learning environments.
He stressed that any form of harassment, intimidation, or violence would be met with strict repercussions.
The Enugu government’s response reflects growing concerns about student welfare and discipline in Nigerian schools, an issue that continues to capture public attention as incidents of abuse surface online.
Separately, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at FGC Enugu addressed the incident, aiming to dispel rumours of cult involvement.
PTA Chairman Dr. Chinedu Mba clarified that the unrest reportedly began when a student was caught in possession of Indian hemp.
He urged parents to guide their children against harmful behaviours and reaffirmed the PTA’s commitment to student safety.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures in Nigerian schools, as educational authorities and parents alike stress the importance of accountability and strict enforcement of anti-bullying policies.