The Vicious Assault
The trending video of the vicious assault by two students of Igbinedion Education Centre on a fellow student is heartbreaking. Looking at the young people involved, you need to hold strong in order to attempt to soak in its effect on your mind.
The two students were identified as Choice Asoro and Dino Uyi. They unleashed their wrath on their victim who was seen lying helplessly on the floor in an isolated room. From the short video, it was not clear how they lured or carried the boy there. The boy found himself in a place he’d certainly wish he never was. At some point in his torrid experience, I imagine he would wish he was never born.
As the victim was feeling the direct heat of physical violence on his body, he was heard pleading for mercy. Yet, his assailants’ hearts appeared to be made of stone. Like rocks by the river bank, their hearts stood firm, as all entreaties which fell on them like the waters from the stream did nothing to move or soften them.
While pain was being inflicted on the poor victim, he folded himself in like an amoeba, retracting and holding his head with the sole aim of surviving. But his attackers delivered heavy blows on his head with their arms and feet. They took turns to do this, while maintaining a fine composure with their immaculate white shirts and ties. Dino and Choice made the choice to have the incident recorded. It was obvious they were well-aware that a third-party, who was heard but remained unseen, was actively recording the distressing episode.
This unseen third party—apparently uncaring and mischievous—seemingly tried to plead with Dino and Choice to stop the dehumanizing act. But his hands were too busy making the recording as he found no use for them in attempting to take positive steps to stop the violence. To my mind, he is as guilty as those who actually assaulted the lad.
Malicious Aggression or Bullying?
So far, there is yet to be any information confirming that what transpired was indeed an act of bullying. Oftentimes, some people tend to mistake a clear isolated act of malicious aggression with bullying.
Bullying is a form of violent behaviour especially where it involves inflicting physical bodily harm. It also involves other forms of abuse—emotional or psychological.
While malicious aggression could manifest in the form of a single physical violent act of harmful intent, bullying is repeated. Thus, this is a significantly distinguishing factor about bullying. Studies have carefully revealed that bullying is associated with repetitive and intentional conduct. The aim is often to persistently and consistently cause the target—usually a less powerful person—social, emotional, or physical harm. It has been said that all bullying is a form of aggression, but not all aggressive conducts are bullying. Bullying is defined by the three pillars of intent, imbalance, and repetition.
We are not aware if Dino and Choice have been in the habit of repeatedly abusing their victim, physically, as was seen in the video, or in another way or manner and to a similar or lesser degree. All we know from the video was that particular incident. Therefore, out of mere misconception, we simply imagined that what we witnessed through the recording was an act of bullying. But that may not necessarily be the case until the investigation reveals that there was probably a pattern and repetition.
Otherwise, what we clearly witnessed was a classic case of malicious aggression by two innocent-looking boys. The word, “innocence”, was more pronounced on the face of one of the boys named, Choice. Choice’s face and his skin defined handsomeness. It is difficult to believe that the level of atrocious violence we saw in the video could emanate from such a deceptively gentle soul.
Consequences/Lessons
Under the Child Rights Law of Edo State, every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his or her person. The Law also provides that no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or abuse; or be subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
From the reports, Dino and Choice were said to have been expelled from the School for their unlawful acts. This is welcome. Expulsion is arguably the strictest punishment a student can receive in a school. It is the strongest demonstration of a school’s disapproval of a grave unacceptable conduct by a student.
We have equally learnt that the authorities have indicated interest in the matter and have also commenced investigation. The outcome of the investigation is awaited in order to determine next steps. I believe hard lessons need to be taught. This will go a long way in sending the right signals that certain abominable conduct can never be tolerated in the society. Doing this will also serve the interest of justice and cushion the negative effect of the experience for the victim and his family. Also importantly, it will deter other students in the school and beyond who may desire to toe the line of violence—whether of equal overwhelming magnitude or otherwise.
Hopefully, this deterrence will help prevent the possibility of advancing the monstrous vice of violence being witnessed at this secondary level of education to tertiary institutions which are already battling with violence associated with cult-related activities by harmful constituencies. Presently in Edo State, we have read reports of the ongoing efforts by the Edo State Government to fight cultism in some universities within the state.
Conclusion
Parents need to watch out for their wards. Violent children often showcase their violent tendencies for any discerning mind to pick on close observation and on time too. Proper upbringing and guidance by parents can help children grow into the kind of individuals the society would be proud of. It is also worth mentioning that parents must realise that the greatest teaching any parent can give is to live by example.
Notwithstanding any further punishment that may be meted out on the erring students, I believe it would also be in their best interest for them to be subsequently enrolled into a rehabilitation programme for necessary counseling and therapy.
