THE Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports indicating a planned kidnap attack targeting students.
News Point Nigeria reports that the affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive was conveyed in a circular dated June 9 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
According to the state government, the decision was prompted by security advisories from relevant agencies warning of credible threats to the safety of students, teachers and residents in parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
“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 the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” Otamere stated.
He explained that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
The closure follows reports from the Department of State Services (DSS), which allegedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out mass abductions of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the intelligence report, security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their attention to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
The report further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, heightening concerns that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
Following the discovery, security agencies recommended a series of preventive measures, including increased protection around schools, deployment of additional security personnel, stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters, as well as intensified patrols across vulnerable communities.
Despite the closure of the schools, the government clarified that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to write their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.
“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” Otamere said.
The Permanent Secretary also directed school authorities to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government officials and security agencies throughout the period of closure.
The Edo State Government appealed to parents, guardians and residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.
Officials said the precautionary measure underscores the government’s determination to protect students, teachers and school communities from any potential security breach while investigations and preventive operations continue.