The arrest of 21 secondary school students in Edo State for allegedly plotting a violent attack has renewed concern about the spread of cult-like activity in Nigeria’s schools.
The students, all between 14 and 17 years old, were detained after police received a tip-off about a planned assault on a rival school. According to the Edo Police Command, weapons, including knives and chains, were recovered during the operation. A voice note circulated by the group reportedly threatened to “burn down the school” and harm staff and students.
Eight of the teenagers have since been remanded in custody, while 13 were released to their guardians.
The incident occurred at Ogioma Public Secondary School, with the alleged target being Osemwende Secondary School — a pattern of rivalries that authorities say mirrors the broader cult-related conflicts seen across tertiary institutions.
Police say interventions in schools are urgently needed to stem the growth of such violent behaviour in younger adolescents. With more cases emerging nationwide, experts warn that without preventive programmes and stronger counselling services in schools, early exposure to gang culture could harden into criminal activity.
For communities and education leaders, the challenge is now how to protect students and restore a culture of safety in public schools.
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