Police Arrest 21 Students Over Alleged Cultism, Foiled School Attack in Benin

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students from Ogioma Public Secondary School, aged between 13 and 17, for their alleged involvement in cultism and a planned attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School in Benin City.

The incident occurred on 12 November 2025 around 1:45 p.m., when operatives of the Loveworld Division, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the teenagers.

The suspects reportedly arrived at Osemwende School on a convoy of motorcycles, intending to commit violent acts. Prior to the planned attack, the students allegedly circulated a voice note threatening to “stage a war,” burn the school, and harm students and staff.

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), 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).

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Police recovered three knives from the suspects, though some individuals involved reportedly escaped.

Investigations are ongoing, with both school principals summoned for questioning.

According to CSP Moses Joel Yamu, Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State, the students have been arraigned in court. Eight were remanded, while the remaining 13 were released to their parents or guardians, who are expected to present them at the next court hearing scheduled for 28 November 2025.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, urged parents to monitor their children’s activities closely, stressing concerns over rising youth involvement in cultism. He also called on school authorities to strengthen discipline and maintain active collaboration with law enforcement to ensure safe learning environments.

The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to securing schools across the state under the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.

The statement was issued on 15 November 2025 by CSP Moses Joel Yamu, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command.