By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Police Command has arrested twenty-one (21) students of Ogioma Public Secondary School, aged between 14 and 17 years, over suspected involvement in cultism and an attempted violent attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School, both located along the Benin–Sapele Road corridor.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Joel Yamu in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.
According to CSP Yamu, “On 12th November 2025, at about 1:45 p.m., operatives attached to the Loveworld Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly responded to credible intelligence and mobilised to Osemwende Public Secondary School. The intelligence revealed that a group of students suspected to be involved in cult-related activities from Ogioma Public Secondary School had stormed the premises in a convoy of motorcycles, allegedly to carry out violent acts.
The prompt intervention of the police led to the arrest of twenty-one (21) of the invading students, while others fled the scene. Three (3) knives were recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigation further revealed that the attackers had earlier circulated a threatening voice note boasting of plans to “stage a war,” burn down the school, and harm students and staff—an attack that was ultimately prevented by the timely response of law enforcement officers.
Both school principals have been invited for further questioning, and the arrested minors have been arraigned before the appropriate juvenile court for prosecution in accordance with existing laws protecting children in conflict with the law. Eight (8) of the twenty-one (21) were ordered remanded, while thirteen (13) were released to their parents/guardians, who are to produce them on 28th November 2025 for the next court sitting.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, calls on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities, movements, and associations of their children both within and outside school environments. The Command also urges school authorities to strengthen internal discipline, report suspicious behaviour promptly, and collaborate with the police to curb juvenile delinquency and school-based violence.
The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety and protection of all residents, especially within school environments, in line with the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.