NIGERIANS REACT AS AREA BOYS PUNISH STUDENTS FOR GOING TO SCHOOL LATE IN LAGOS

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // A video circulating on social media has sparked mixed reactions after a group of so called area boys were seen punishing secondary school students for allegedly going to school late in Lagos.

In the video, the students are shown kneeling on the roadside with their hands raised, while one of the men holds a cane.

A voice can be heard in the background scolding them, saying, Look at the time you’re going to school.

The incident has sparked heated debate online about discipline, authority, and public safety.

Some Nigerians applauded the act, describing it as a return to lost societal values.

Maiyegun Quam wrote, It was this value that we lost. Society also has a role in shaping children. From the moment we became unconcerned about other people’s children, everything went wrong. Well done.

Others shared similar sentiments. Desmond Arnold commented sarcastically, At least area boys don do one good thing. Make them go late again tomorrow.

Another user, @Akinjoshua2017, blamed schools for being too relaxed, saying, Schools don’t punish late coming again. That’s why you still see kids going to school by 9 am.

However, many Nigerians strongly disagreed, warning that the action crossed the line.

@Samnacks_201 criticised the punishment, stating, Discipline without authority is just assault. If they aren’t staff or guardians, they have no right to touch those children.

@lagosconvo echoed the concern, saying, “It’s not their job. It’s not their place to mete out punishment.

Another commenter, Maverick Bambaz Oloto, questioned the logic of the act, arguing that it only delayed the students further.

Is this community trying to enforce discipline because parents and schools aren’t, or is it just dangerous vigilante punishment?