Teen Cult Plot Foiled in Benin, 21 Students Arrested

Panic swept through the Ogioma, Limit Road Area on Saturday after operatives of the Edo State Police Command intercepted a group of 21 teenagers allegedly mobilising for a cult-related attack on a neighbouring school.

The suspects, students of Ogioma Public Secondary School aged 14 to 17, were arrested while attempting to launch an assault on Osemwende Public Secondary School, Oghoghibi, off Benin-Sapele Road.

Police spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests in a statement, noting that officers acted on credible intelligence that a juvenile gang clash was imminent.

“The Edo State Police Command has arrested 21 students of Ogioma Public Secondary School, aged between 14 and 17 years, for suspected involvement in cult activities,” Yamu said.
“Their arrest followed a coordinated operation after the command foiled a planned attack on Osemwende Public Secondary School.”

Residents described the development as frightening, given the increasing trend of minors being linked to organised cult groups.

Mrs. Roseline Eweka, a food vendor near Limit Road, said she was shocked when she heard the ages of the suspects.
“These are children, some not even in SS1. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

A parent, Mr. Emmanuel Aigbe, whose nephew attends Osemwende School, called the incident a “wake-up call” for families and school authorities.

A Senior SCID Officer revealed that investigators are trying to determine whether adult cultists or older youths are recruiting children in the area.

“We suspect they may be acting under the influence or direction of older coordinators,” the officer said.

The Ministry of Education has also summoned administrators from both schools, including Mr. Andrew Obasuyi, Principal of Ogioma Public Secondary School, and Mrs. Patience Ilokun, Vice Principal of Osemwende Public Secondary School, for an emergency briefing.

SP Yamu urged Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders to intensify monitoring of young students, warning that juvenile cultism is becoming more widespread across Edo communities.

The 21 students are currently in Police custody as investigations continue.