The federal government of Nigeria took decisive action by ordering the temporary closure of the Lead British International School, Abuja, for three days in response to a disturbing incident of physical bullying and assault involving a student named Namtira Bwala and her classmate, Maryam Hassan.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, made the announcement of the school’s closure following widespread public outcry triggered by a viral video depicting the brutal assault inflicted on Namtira by Maryam.
The video, which circulated on various social media platforms, sparked outrage among Nigerians, prompting calls for intervention from relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victim.
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In the footage, Namtira was subjected to repeated slaps by her classmate while being questioned, with one assailant demanding, “Who broke my heart?”
Another video showcased Namtira being interrogated and subjected to further physical aggression by her fellow student.
The alarming videos elicited strong reactions from the public, underscoring the urgency for swift and decisive action to address the issue of bullying in schools.
Responding to the incident, the school’s management expressed deep concern and initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
In a separate development, a video emerged showing parents converging at the school premises, with one of Namtira’s relatives identifying the bully and administering a slap in retaliation for the assault on her niece.