Benue: 11 schoolgirls expelled after attack on female student

The management of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School in Aliade, Benue State, has expelled 11 students linked to a violent altercation that resulted in a female student being stripped.

A viral video that recently circulated online captured the disturbing moment a group of students in school uniform assaulted and stripped the victim during the clash. The footage, recorded and shared by other students, triggered widespread condemnation.

In the video, the victim struggled to cover herself as those involved jeered and mocked her.

Reacting to the incident, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) directed its state command to work with relevant authorities to ensure prompt action.

A source within the school revealed that the incident happened about a week ago, not inside the main compound but in a bush behind the school during extension classes for JSS3 and SS3 students.

According to the source, the altercation started when two female students agreed to settle a dispute through a fight and moved to a secluded area away from teachers’ supervision.

“They allegedly agreed to leave the school environment and settle the dispute in a secluded area, away from the prying eyes of teachers.

However, what started as a one-on-one confrontation quickly got out of hand when their friends joined in,” he said.

The situation reportedly escalated as more students got involved, tearing one another’s uniforms, including underwear, while others filmed and ridiculed the victim.

“The disturbance eventually attracted the attention of teachers, who intervened. The students were stopped and the situation was contained before it snowballed into a major crisis in the school,” he added.

Following the incident, the school management immediately suspended the extension classes, while some students were initially placed on suspension.

The source added that the authorities had already taken action against those involved before the video surfaced online.

“They were all individually expelled from the school once it was established that they played one role or another in the despicable act,” he said.

Among those expelled are nine girls and two boys, with their parents reportedly notified of the decision.

Each expulsion letter, signed by the school principal, read in part:

“Following the recommendation of the school’s Disciplinary Committee after a thorough investigation into your alleged involvement in fighting and the unlawful posting of a video on social media, which amounts to a violation of school rules and regulations and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the name of the school, you have been expelled with immediate effect from March 23, 2026.”