Police Foil Cult Attack on Benin Secondary School
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have apprehended twenty-one students from Ogioma Public Secondary School in Benin City for their suspected involvement in cult-related activities. The arrest occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, following intelligence about a planned assault on another educational institution.
Details of the Foiled Attack
The police intervention prevented what could have been a violent confrontation at Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi off the Benin–Sapele Road. According to police reports, the incident took place on November 12, 2025, at approximately 1:45 pm, when students from Ogioma Public Secondary School arrived at the premises riding motorcycles with apparent malicious intent.
CSP Moses Yamu, the Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State Command, confirmed that officers from the Loveworld Division, under the leadership of their Divisional Police Officer, responded immediately to credible intelligence about the planned attack. Their swift action resulted in the capture of twenty-one suspects while others managed to escape the scene.
Arrested Suspects and Evidence Recovered
The arrested students range in age from 14 to 17 years old, with one suspect being only 13 years of age. The complete list of those taken into custody includes: 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), and Orodge Miracle (15).
Additional suspects apprehended were: 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).
During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered four knives and a chain from the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that the students had previously circulated a threatening voice note where they boasted about their plans to initiate a war, set the school ablaze, and cause harm to both students and staff members.
Legal Proceedings and Police Response
The Edo State Police Command has taken decisive action following the incident. Both school principals have been summoned for additional questioning to gather more information about the circumstances leading to the attempted attack.
All twenty-one suspects have been formally charged in court. The judicial process has resulted in eight suspects being remanded in custody, while the remaining thirteen have been released to their parents or guardians. These guardians have been instructed to produce the students in court on November 28, 2025 for the next hearing.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has issued a strong appeal to parents and guardians throughout Edo State, urging them to pay closer attention to their children's activities and social associations both within and outside school environments. The police chief also called upon school authorities to reinforce disciplinary measures, report suspicious gatherings or threats without delay, and maintain close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to prevent juvenile delinquency and violence in educational institutions.
Commissioner Agbonika reaffirmed the command's dedication to ensuring the safety and protection of all residents, particularly within school settings across the state, in alignment with the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.
