Operatives attached to the Loveworld Division of the Edo State police command have arraigned 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School for alleged cultism and a foiled attack on another school, both in Benin City.

Spokesperson for the command, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Saturday, said the students, who are between the ages of 13 and 17, were arrested on Wednesday, while the principals of both schools have been invited for interrogation.

Mr Yamu said, “The Edo State Police Command has arrested twenty-one students of Ogioma Public Secondary School located at Limit road off Benin-Sapele road, aged between 14 and 17years who are suspected to be cultists. This followed a foiled attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School, located at Oghoghibi off Benin–Sapele Road, Benin City.

“On 12th November, 2025, at about 1:45 p.m., operatives attached to the Loveworld Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to Osemwende Public Secondary School, where students suspected to be engaged in cultism from Ogioma Public Secondary School stormed the premises in a convoy of motorcycles, allegedly to carry out violent acts.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had earlier circulated a threat voice note, boasting of plans to “stage a war,” burn down the school, and harm students and staff — a threat they attempted to carry out before being contained by police intervention. Both school principals have been invited for further questioning, and the arrested suspects have been arraigned in Court for prosecution.”

The nabbed suspects include 16-year-old Promise Afekokhian, 16-year-old Samuel John, 15-year-old Godstime Sunday, 14-year-old Basit Kareem, 15-year-old Destiny Lucky, 16-year-old Miracle Peter, 14-year-old Victor Innocent, 16-year-old Osazee Efe, 17-year-old Usman Adamu, 15-year-old Orodge Miracle, and 16-year-old Godspower Agharevba.

Others are: 16-year-old Favour Ogunde, 17-year-old Clinton Oghenetega, 17-year-old Wisdom Ehimen, 17-year-old Zenith Jonathan, 14-year-old Steven Monday, 17-year-old Ogbebor Calistus, 15-year-old Marvellous Imadefe, 16-year-old Success Ogar, 13-year-old Osaro Osama Praise, and 16-year-old Miracle Bassey.

Stating that other students escaped arrest, Mr Yamu stated that eight of those nabbed have been remanded, while the remaining 13 were released to their parents and guardians, who will, in turn, produce them on November 28, 2025, for the next court sitting.

Addressing concerns on X about the prosecution of minors, Mr Yamu said, “You must have heard of Juvenile Court or Family Court. This court handles all matters involving children under 18, including offences committed by children, care and protection issues, and child welfare and custody. You must also note that proceedings are not open to the public, the child is referred to as a ‘child in conflict with the law,’ not a criminal, and the goal is correction, rehabilitation and protection, not necessarily punishment.”

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities and associations of their children, both in and out of school.

He also called on school authorities to strengthen discipline, report suspicious gatherings or threats promptly, and work closely with the police to prevent juvenile delinquency and violence in schools.