By Deborah Nnamdi
The Edo State Police Command has apprehended 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School in Benin City for alleged involvement in cult-related activities, the command announced on Saturday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the students, aged between 13 and 17, were arrested after a foiled attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School at Oghoghibi along Benin–Sapele Road. The incident occurred on 12th November 2025, around 1:45 pm, when operatives from the Loveworld Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, intervened as Ogioma students reportedly stormed the rival school on motorcycles intending to commit violent acts.
“The rapid police response prevented potential harm and led to the arrest of 21 students,” Yamu said. Items recovered from the suspects included four knives and a chain. Preliminary investigations revealed the group had circulated a threatening voice note, boasting of plans to “stage a war,” set the school on fire, and harm both students and staff.
The detained 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), 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). Several other students managed to evade arrest.
Eight of the suspects were remanded in custody, while 13 were released to their parents or guardians and are expected to appear in court on 28th November 2025. Both school principals have been invited for questioning.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged parents to closely monitor their children’s associations and called on schools to enforce discipline, report suspicious activities promptly, and work with law enforcement to curb juvenile delinquency. He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding students under the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.
