Enugu orders probe into assault of secondary school student

The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the bullying and physical assault of a student at the state’s Federal Government College, calling it “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing.”

The state has also ordered a swift investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those involved in the barbaric act.

In a public service announcement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the government emphasised its zero tolerance for bullying, abuse, and any form of dehumanising treatment in learning environments across the state, warning that there would always be consequences for such acts.

Noting that the incident occurred at a Federal Government College in the state, the statement assured that the state government was in communication with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that appropriate sanctions were applied to both the errant students and any school managers who failed in their duties.

The statement reassured parents, students, and members of the public that the state government would always prioritise the safety and welfare of students, citing the record and massive investments made by the Governor Peter Mbah Administration in the education sector as a commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning atmosphere.

“The Enugu State Government has zero tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools. The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. The government is resolved to prosecute those who engage in the criminal behaviour of physically assaulting students. Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments, and those who engage in it must be ready to face the consequences,” the state statement reads in part.

The state government also reminded all educational institutions in the state of their role in ensuring that the safety and well-being of students are given priority, warning of dire consequences for harassment, intimidation, and violence, which violate the core values of respect, equality, and freedom for students.

Earlier on Monday, a short video clip circulating on social media showed some students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, engaging in a physical assault on another student in the school hostel, which immediately elicited condemnation from both the state government and members of the public.