Police Foil Planned Attack, Arrest 21 Secondary School Students

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

According to the police, the incident occurred on 12 November 2025 at about 1:45 p.m., when operatives of the Loveworld Division, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the teenagers who allegedly invaded Osemwende School in a convoy of motorcycles with the intention to carry out violent acts. Before the incident, the suspects had reportedly circulated a threatening voice note boasting of plans to “stage a war,” burn down the school, and harm students and staff.

The prompt response of the police led to the arrest of the following students:

1. Promise Afekokhian, 16

2. Samuel John, 16

3. Godstime Sunday, 15

4. Basit Kareem, 14

5. Destiny Lucky, 15

6. Miracle Peter, 16

7. Victor Innocent, 14

8. Osazee Efe, 16

9. Usman Adamu, 17

10. Orodge Miracle, 15

11. Godspower Agharevba, 16

12. Favour Ogunde, 16

13. Clinton Oghenetega, 17

14. Wisdom Ehimen, 17

15. Zenith Jonathan, 17

16. Steven Monday, 14

17. Ogbebor Calistus, 17

18. Marvelous Imadefe, 15

19. Success Ogar, 16

20. Osaro Osama Praise, 13

21. Miracle Bassey, 16

Three knives were recovered from the suspects, while others involved in the incident escaped. Both school principals have been invited to be questioned as investigations continue.

Police spokesperson CSP Moses Joel Yamu disclosed that the students have already been arraigned in court. Eight of them were remanded, while the remaining 13 were released to their parents or guardians, who are expected to present them at the next hearing on 28 November 2025.

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities, emphasising the growing concern of youth involvement in cultism. He also called on school authorities to strengthen discipline and maintain close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure safe learning environments.

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

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