The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping attack targeting students.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The closure followed a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which reportedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to intelligence reports, the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting students could attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments.
Security concerns heightened after the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.
Authorities said the suspect’s activities raised fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
In response, the DSS advised security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable communities across Edo North.
The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified surveillance and patrol operations.
Explaining the government’s decision, Otamere said the Ministry of Education received credible intelligence and security advisories indicating threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.
“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.
He noted that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.
The permanent secretary, however, clarified that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to access their examination centres under strict security arrangements.
According to him, security agencies and community stakeholders have been mobilised to ensure the safety of candidates during the examination period.
Otamere directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain communication with relevant authorities.
He also appealed to parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.
