Mixed Reactions as Lagos Area Boys Punish Students for Being Late to School

Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions after a viral video showed a group of so-called area boys punishing secondary school students for allegedly arriving late to school in Lagos.

In the footage circulating online, the students were seen kneeling by the roadside with their hands raised, as one of the men stood over them holding a cane.

A voice in the background could be heard reprimanding them, saying, “Look at the time you’re going to school.”

The incident has ignited intense online discussions around discipline, authority, and safety within the public space.

Some Nigerians supported the action, describing it as a revival of lost community values.

Maiyegun Quam commented, “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 echoed similar views. Desmond Arnold wrote sarcastically, “At least area boys don do one good thing. Make them go late again tomorrow.”

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

However, many Nigerians opposed the act, warning that it went beyond acceptable boundaries.

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

@lagosconvo shared similar concerns, noting, “It’s not their job. It’s not their place to mete out punishment.”

Another commenter, Maverick Bambaz Oloto, questioned the reasoning behind the act, arguing that it only made the students even later for school.

Is this an attempt by the community to enforce discipline where parents and schools have failed, or a dangerous form of vigilante punishment? Share your thoughts below.