The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School, Benin City, after allegedly storming a neighbouring school in what authorities described as an attempted cult-related attack.
The students, aged between 13 and 17, were intercepted on Wednesday after they reportedly rode into Osemwende Public Secondary School in a convoy of motorcycles, allegedly to launch a violent assault on students and staff.
Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that operatives attached to the Loveworld Division acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about the planned invasion.
According to him, the suspects had earlier circulated a threatening voice note vowing to “stage a war,” burn the school, and attack students and teachers.
“The prompt response of operatives led to the arrest of 21 of the invading students,” Yamu said, adding that four knives and a metal chain were recovered during the operation.
The arrested students include Promise Afekokhian (16), Samuel John (16), Godstime Sunday (15), Basit Kareem (14), Destiny Lucky (15), Miracle Peter (16), Victor Innocent (14), Osazee Efe (16), Usman Adamu (17), and Orodge Miracle (15).
Others are Godspower Agharevba (16), Favour Ogunde (16), Clinton Oghenetega (17), Wisdom Ehimen (17), Zenith Jonathan (17), Steven Monday (14), Ogbebor Calistus (17), Marvelous Imadefe (15), Success Ogar (16), Osaro Osama Praise (13), and Miracle Bassey (16). Several others fled the scene.
Yamu added that both school principals have been invited for questioning as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances behind the foiled attack.
The suspects have since been arraigned. Eight were remanded in custody, while 13 were released to their parents, with a directive to present them at the next court sitting on November 28.
Reacting to the incident, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities, especially the groups they associate with.
He also urged school authorities to strengthen monitoring systems and promptly report suspicious movements or threats.
Agbonika reiterated that the command remained committed to securing schools across the state under the Nigeria Police Force’s Safe Schools Initiative.
The fresh crackdown comes months after Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the Edo State Anti-Cultism Law 2025, which prescribes 21 years imprisonment for cult members and sponsors, and up to 10 years for anyone providing shelter to cultists.
The law also recommends the death penalty in cases where cult clashes result in fatalities.
Security officials say the law has contributed significantly to reducing cult-related violence across the state.
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