Police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have launched a formal investigation into a disturbing incident of bullying captured on video at Lead British International School.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, shows a female student repeatedly slapping another student while asking, “Who broke my heart?”
The incident has drawn condemnation from the public, with many expressing concern over the safety and well-being of students at the school.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the matter.
“The FCT Police Command is on top of the situation and has deployed seasoned officers to the school premises for investigations and to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order,” Adeh said in a statement.
In response to the incident, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, and her education counterpart, Tahir Mamman, visited the school on Tuesday afternoon.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also confirmed that investigations have been opened into the bullying incident.
The school has been closed for three days to facilitate the ongoing investigations, with the possibility of an extension should the probe not be concluded within the stipulated period.
The education minister held a closed-door meeting with the school’s management on Tuesday, though details of the discussion are yet to be disclosed.
Despite the severity of the incident, the press were denied access to the school premises. However, some students who spoke through the school gate acknowledged that bullying is a prevalent issue at Lead British International School.
They claimed that despite multiple complaints to the school’s management, the issue has not been adequately addressed.
In a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page, the management of Lead British International School acknowledged the incident and pledged to take appropriate action.
“We will be working with the perpetrators and their families, offering counselling and disciplinary measures to address their behaviour which has no place in society,” the statement read.
The school has also initiated its own investigation, appointing a dedicated team to review video footage and interview witnesses to understand the full scope of the incident and identify the underlying causes.
Meanwhile, the video has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, with users demanding justice for the victim and calling for stronger measures to address bullying in schools.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for students, free from harassment and intimidation.
