The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 secondary school students in Benin City after officers intercepted an alleged plan to launch a violent attack on a neighbouring school. The suspects, aged 13 to 17, are students of Ogioma Public Secondary School and were detained following what police described as a coordinated cult-related operation.
Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu announced the arrests in a statement on Saturday, November 15, 2025, confirming that the incident stemmed from a foiled invasion of Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi off the Benin–Sapele Road. Officers from the Loveworld Division responded to intelligence reports that a group of teenagers from Ogioma School had mobilised in a convoy of motorcycles to carry out attacks on students and staff.
According to the statement, the police arrived at the scene at about 1:45 p.m. on November 12 and apprehended 21 suspects. Four knives and a metal chain were seized during the operation. A preliminary investigation found that the group had earlier circulated a threatening voice note, boasting of plans to “stage a war,” burn down the school, and inflict harm on students and teachers.
The arrested students — identified by police — faced immediate legal action. They have already been arraigned in court, where eight were remanded in custody. The remaining 13 were released to their parents or guardians with instructions to present them at the next court hearing on November 28, 2025. Several other students who fled the scene are still being sought by investigators.
Police also summoned the principals of both schools for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
Edo State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s social circles and online behaviour, warning that early signs of group-based violence often go unnoticed at home. He further encouraged school authorities to report suspicious gatherings, strengthen disciplinary measures, and partner closely with security agencies under the Nigeria Police Force’s Safe Schools Initiative.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students and maintaining safety across learning environments in the state.
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