The Enugu State Government has condemned the bullying and physical assault of a student at the Federal Government College, Enugu, calling the incident “deeply troubling” and “emotionally distressing.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on bullying, abuse, and any form of dehumanisation in educational institutions across the state.
Prof. Mbah ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the students involved in the attack, which he described as barbaric and unacceptable.
He emphasized that the state government would not tolerate such actions and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.
“The Enugu State Government is committed to safeguarding the safety and well-being of all students, and any form of bullying or assault has no place in our schools,” Mbah said.
He also pointed out that while the incident occurred at a Federal Government institution, the state was in communication with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure appropriate disciplinary measures were taken against both the students responsible and any school officials who failed to uphold their duties.
The Federal Government College, Enugu, established in 1973 to foster national unity among students from diverse backgrounds, has come under scrutiny following the bullying incident.
A video circulated on social media earlier this week showed several students attacking a peer in the school’s hostel, prompting widespread outrage and public condemnation.
The Education Commissioner reiterated that the state government would work closely with federal authorities to ensure that the perpetrators faced the full force of the law.
He also reassured parents and the public that the Mbah administration has made significant investments in the education sector to promote safety and a conducive learning environment for all students in the state.
“The Enugu State Government remains resolute in ensuring the safety of our students. This is not just a matter of policy; it is our moral and legal obligation to ensure that no child is subjected to violence or harassment in our schools,” Mbah said.
The commissioner further reminded all educational institutions in the state of their responsibility to ensure the safety of students, warning that any institution found negligent in handling cases of harassment, violence, or intimidation would face severe consequences.
