Assault video:Edo suspends principal, housemaster, to prosecute abusers

Gov. Obaseki

The Edo State Government, has suspended the Principal and House Master of the Akenzua Hall, Edo College, Benin, over a disturbing video that surfaced online, where some senior students were seen mercilessly assaulting a junior student, who was stripped naked.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, the government expressed shock at the incident.

The government noted that the Ministry of Education, on enquiry, discovered that the incident took place on the college premises and involved Senior Secondary School students of the Akenzua Hall, who are taking their National Examinations Council final examination.

“On account of the above, the government has taken the following steps: the Principal of the college, Mr Peter Edomwonyi, has been instructed to proceed on suspension, effective immediately. He is to hand over all property and assets of the school in his possession to the next most senior vice-principal of the school. He is to remain on suspension until the investigation into the incident is concluded and the government provides further directive on the matter.

“The House Master for Akenzua Hall of residence, Mr Oamen Stanley, has also been suspended indefinitely with immediate effect.

“All the students involved in the abusive behaviour have been handed over to the Ministry of Justice for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the Child Rights Law.

“The Edo State Ministry of Health is reaching out to the victims to ascertain the state of their health and provide the necessary support.

“The Edo State Government is committed to maintaining a school environment that is safe for children and offers apologies to the victims of the abuse, their parents and members of the public.”