Operatives from the Edo State Police Command have apprehended twenty-one secondary school students for their alleged involvement in cultist activities and a planned violent attack on a rival school in Benin City.
Foiled School Invasion
The arrest of the students from Ogioma Public Secondary School followed credible intelligence about a foiled assault on Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi, off the Benin-Sapele Road. According to the command's Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on November 12, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Police operatives attached to the Loveworld Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilized to the scene. They intercepted the suspects just as the students, who had stormed the premises in a convoy of motorcycles, were allegedly preparing to carry out violent acts.
Suspects and Evidence
The police successfully arrested 21 invading students, whose ages range from 14 to 17 years. Among those taken into custody were Promise Afekokhian (16), Samuel John (16), Godstime Sunday (15), and Basit Kareem (14). The list also includes Destiny Lucky (15), Miracle Peter (16), Victor Innocent (14), and Osazee Efe (16).
Other arrested individuals are Usman Adamu (17), Orodge Miracle (15), Godspower Agharevba (16), Favour Ogunde (16), and Clinton Oghenetega (17). Completing the list are 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). Several other suspects managed to escape from the scene.
During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered four knives and a chain from the suspects. A preliminary police investigation revealed that the group had earlier circulated a threatening voice note, boasting of plans to stage a war, burn down the school, and harm both students and staff members.
Legal Proceedings and Official Response
Following the arrests, both school principals were invited for further questioning by the authorities. The twenty-one arrested suspects have been arraigned in court for prosecution.
In a decisive legal action, eight of the suspects were remanded, while the remaining thirteen were released to the custody of their parents or guardians. These guardians are required to produce the students in court on November 28, 2025, for the next court sitting.
The Commissioner of Police for Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has issued a strong appeal to parents and guardians, urging them to pay closer attention to their children's activities and social associations both within and outside school environments.
CP Agbonika also called on school authorities to strengthen disciplinary measures, promptly report any suspicious gatherings or threats, and maintain close collaboration with the police to prevent juvenile delinquency and violence in schools. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all residents, particularly within educational institutions, in alignment with the Nigeria Police Force Safe Schools Initiative.
