Police arrest 21 pupils over alleged cultism

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 21 secondary school students for allegedly plotting a violent cult attack in Benin City.

The suspects, all students of Ogioma Public Secondary School, were reportedly planning an assault on neighbouring Osemwende Secondary School when police acting on intelligence swooped in on them.

Weapons, including knives and a metal chain, were recovered from the teenagers, who are aged between 14 and 17.

Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, said in a statement that the students had circulated a threatening voice note in which they boasted about staging a “war,” burning down the school, and attacking students and staff.

According to Yamu, eight of the arrested students have been remanded in a Correctional Centre, while 13 have been released to their parents and guardians pending further investigation.