A disturbing video has emerged online, showing an SS2 student at Beautiful Beginning Academy in Abuja being abused by senior students.
The disturbing footage, shared by user @ChuksEricE on X (formerly Twitter), shows the student chained by the neck as four SS3 students taunt and mock him.
The video, which has quickly gone viral, captures one of the perpetrators filming the incident, laughing while the victim struggles.
Attempts by the victim to speak are met with commands to “lie down” and verbal abuse in a local Nigerian language. As the boy attempts to speak out, his bullies silence him with harsh words, including “baba lie down” and “you dey craze,” with the rest of the taunting remarks spoken in Hausa Language,Edutimes Africa Reporter learnt.
This is not the first time bullying cases in schools have sparked public outcry.
Earlier this year, a similar incident at British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja, made headlines when a female student, Ms. Namtira Bwala, was assaulted by another student, Mariam Hassan.
That case resulted in legal action, with Ms. Bwala suing the school for negligence and cover-up.
Calls for accountability and justice
Reacting to the latest incident, child protection advocates and educators have condemned the abuse and called for swift action. Speaking on the matter, child rights activist Dr. Amina Suleiman stated, “This incident is an indictment of the school’s responsibility to protect its students. Institutions must do more to foster safe environments where children can thrive without fear.”
Similarly, educator and principal Mr. John Olufemi emphasised the need for stronger anti-bullying policies in schools.
He noted, “Bullying not only scars the victim but also perpetuates a cycle of violence. Schools must implement preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns and strict disciplinary actions, to ensure such acts are deterred.”
Investigation and public demands
Parents and activists have called on the authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. In a statement, the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect (CACAN) urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Quality Assurance to hold the school accountable. “The failure to protect students reflects poorly on the institution. There must be consequences, both for the perpetrators and for the administrators who allowed this to happen,” the group said.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with many users expressing their shock and anger. One user, @AdaNwoke, commented, “How do such things happen in a school? The authorities must step in and make an example of those involved.”
Educator’s perspective
Kemi Awoyale, school administrator and school safety advocate, adds: “As an educator, this incident highlights the critical role schools play in shaping the social and emotional well-being of students.
The recurrence of such abuse signals a systemic issue that requires urgent attention. Schools should invest in comprehensive anti-bullying programs, train staff to recognise and address early signs of aggression, and provide support systems for victims.
Furthermore, parents and guardians must actively engage with schools to ensure transparency and accountability.
A collaborative effort between educators, policymakers, and communities is essential to eradicating bullying and creating a nurturing environment for students.” she added.
What’s next?
The public awaits a response from Beautiful Beginning Academy regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, advocates continue to push for reforms in school administration and child protection policies to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
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