Edo Police have arrested 21 students aged 14–17 for a foiled cult attack on a Benin City school, recovering weapons and launching further investigation

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School for alleged involvement in cult-related activities and an attempted attack on a neighbouring school in Benin City.

Also read: Edo Police Arrest Woman for Fake Kidnap Plot

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the students—aged between 14 and 17—were apprehended after police foiled an attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi off the Benin–Sapele Road.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on 12 November 2025 at about 1:45 pm, when operatives attached to the Loveworld Division, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised swiftly to the school.

“Students suspected of engaging in cultism from Ogioma Public Secondary School stormed the premises in a convoy of motorcycles, allegedly to carry out violent acts. The prompt response of the police led to the arrest of 21 of the invading students,” Yamu said.

The arrested teenagers 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), Orodge Miracle (15), 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).

Others fled the scene.

Police said they recovered four knives and a chain from the suspects. A preliminary investigation revealed that the group had earlier circulated a threatening voice note, vowing to “stage a war”, burn down the school, and inflict harm on students and staff.

Both school principals have been invited for questioning.

The suspects have since been arraigned in court, where eight were remanded in custody, while 13 were released to their parents and guardians, who are required to produce them in court on 28 November 2025.

Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s social circles, warning that juvenile cultism remains a major driver of school violence in the state.

He also encouraged school authorities to strengthen discipline and report suspicious behaviour promptly.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to securing schools under the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.

The crackdown comes months after Governor Monday Okpebholo signed a new anti-cultism law on 24 January 2025, replacing the 2018 legislation and imposing stiffer penalties. The law prescribes:

21-year prison term for cult members and their sponsors

10 years imprisonment and property demolition for anyone harbouring cultists

Death penalty in cases where cult activity results in death

Also read: Edo Police Rescue Girl, Foil Kidnap Attempt

Authorities say the strengthened law has contributed to a noticeable decline in cult-related activities across the state.