Police in Edo State have arrested 21 secondary school pupils for alleged involvement in cultism and a foiled attack on a neighbouring school.
According to police spokesperson Moses Yamu, the arrests were made on November 12, 2025, when officers attached to the Loveworld Division acted on intelligence reports about a planned attack. The suspects reportedly stormed Osemwende School on motorcycles, armed with knives and a metal chain, intending to disrupt learning and cause harm.
The police said the operation successfully foiled the attack, leading to the arrest of 21 pupils, while others managed to escape. Investigations revealed that the students had circulated a threatening voice note boasting about staging a “war,” burning down the school, and attacking staff and students.
Following their arrest, eight of the suspects were remanded in a correctional centre, while 13 were released to their parents and guardians pending further investigation. Authorities have stressed that parents must monitor their children closely to prevent them from being lured into cult groups.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism among youths, warning that such activities not only endanger lives but also undermine the educational system.
Cultism among secondary school students has become a growing concern in Edo and other states, with authorities linking it to peer pressure, lack of supervision, and exposure to violent subcultures. The police have urged schools to strengthen security measures and promote awareness campaigns to discourage students from joining cult groups.
