The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School in Benin City after officers foiled a planned attack on another school, Osemwende Public Secondary School, in what authorities described as a disturbing case of suspected cult-related violence involving teenagers.
The students, aged between 13 and 17, were taken into custody on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, following swift action by the police based on credible intelligence. The incident occurred along the busy Benin–Sapele Road, an area that has recorded previous concerns about youth gangs and rising juvenile violence.
The details were announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who described the situation as a potentially deadly confrontation that was prevented through quick intervention.
According to Yamu, at about 1:45 pm, officers from the Loveworld Division, led by their Divisional Police Officer, received information that students from Ogioma Public Secondary School were mobilising to launch an attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School, located in the Oghoghibi area.
They reportedly departed their school on motorcycles in groups, heading toward Osemwende with the intention to intimidate, assault, or harm students and staff. The police responded immediately and intercepted the group before they could carry out the attack.
“The rapid response of the police prevented potential harm, resulting in the arrest of 21 students,” the PPRO said.
The police released the names and ages of the arrested students, a move meant to emphasise the seriousness of the incident and deter similar behaviour among minors. Those arrested 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)
Miracle Bassey (16)
Police said several other students escaped from the scene and may still face arrest when identified.
During the operation, police recovered four knives and a chain from the suspects, which officers believe were intended to be used during the planned attack. Investigators also discovered that the students had circulated a threatening voice note among themselves and other youths in the area.
In the recording, the teenagers allegedly bragged about plans to “stage a war,” burn down the school, and harm students and teachers. Police said the recording, which spread quickly on social media, contributed to the urgency of their response.
Preliminary investigations show that the group had been planning the attack for days and may have links to juvenile cult groups that have become increasingly active in some secondary schools in Edo State.
Both principals of Ogioma Public Secondary School and Osemwende Public Secondary School have been invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Officers are trying to determine what led to the conflict and whether school officials ignored warning signs.
The police want to know how students were able to gather weapons, leave school premises, and mobilise on motorcycles during school hours without the knowledge or intervention of school authorities.
Of the 21 students arrested, eight have been remanded in custody pending further investigation. The remaining 13 students were released to their parents or guardians after initial screening but with strict conditions that they must appear in court.
The PPRO said the released students are expected to appear before a juvenile court on November 28, 2025, when the next hearing will take place. Parents reportedly signed undertakings to ensure their children do not abscond before their court date.
The arrest has once again drawn attention to the growing involvement of minors in cult activities in Edo State. Over the past decade, police have repeatedly linked secondary-school students to street fights, initiation ceremonies, and violent rivalries inspired by adult cult groups. These activities often occur in the Benin metropolis, especially in communities along Benin–Sapele Road, Upper Sakponba, Ugbowo, and Ekehuan.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of the Safe Schools Initiative, a federal security programme introduced to protect schools from violence, kidnapping, cult clashes, and other threats.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, expressed deep concern over the incident and issued a strong warning to parents and guardians. He urged families to be more involved in monitoring their children’s behaviour, especially their social circles and after-school activities.
He said: “Parents and guardians must pay close attention to their children’s associations, both in school and outside. Cultism often begins with peer influence, so early intervention is key.”
The CP also called on school authorities across the state to improve discipline, report suspicious behaviour early, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
“We expect schools to enforce discipline, maintain security awareness, and report signs of cult activity before it escalates,” he said.
Agbonika reassured residents that the police remain committed to protecting students and staff across the state. He said the command is working to strengthen school patrols, intelligence gathering, and community policing strategies as part of the broader Safe Schools Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that the foiled attack shows the importance of constant vigilance and community partnership in preventing violence.
“The command is fully committed to the safety of students in Edo State. Our officers will continue to respond swiftly to threats, enforce the law, and protect the lives of our children,” he said.
Following the arrests, community leaders and education stakeholders have called for long-term solutions to the increase in juvenile violence. Some advocated for improved counselling services in schools, stronger moral instruction, and more extracurricular activities to keep teenagers engaged.
Others highlighted the need for government to create more youth-friendly programs, such as mentorship initiatives, skill acquisition centres, and sports development projects, noting that young people often join cults due to peer pressure, idleness, or lack of guidance.
