The management of Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), located in Gudu District, Abuja, has refuted allegations of bullying among its students following a viral video that surfaced on Monday.

The video showed senior students allegedly bullying an SS2 student identified as Imtiyas, tying a chain around his neck and ordering him to lie on the floor. However, the school’s Principal, Aaron Ikpe, clarified on Tuesday that the incident was a staged performance that had been misinterpreted as bullying.

Speaking to reporters, Ikpe stated, “Categorically, I will say there was no bullying here at BBA. What you saw was a make-believe performance. The students involved staged this in their hostel, with other students watching, and they even arranged to record it using a school-provided device.”

He explained that the school operates an open-door policy, encouraging students to report any issues directly to the management. He added that if bullying had occurred, it would have been reported by at least one of the students present.

Ikpe also noted that the family’s allegations came as a shock, as the school has not recorded any cases of bullying in its 14 years of operation. “The sisters of the student came to the school on Monday, alleging bullying. When we saw the video, we were surprised. In our history, we have never had a situation like this,” he said.

The principal emphasized that the performance, while perhaps inappropriate, was not malicious and was arranged innocently by the students. He assured that the school remains committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students.