The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports warning of a possible kidnapping plot targeting students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and school personnel in the area.
According to security intelligence reportedly obtained by authorities, suspected bandits were allegedly planning to abduct schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate significant ransom payments.
The intelligence report also indicated that security operatives arrested a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while he was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, raising fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
Speaking on the development, Otamere said the decision to shut the schools was taken based on security advisories warning of threats to educational institutions in the 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 parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he said.
He explained that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property.
Despite the closure, the government assured that candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue to sit for their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.
“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing WASSCE will be granted access to their examination centres under strict security supervision provided by relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” Otamere stated.
The Permanent Secretary directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the safe release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain regular communication with government authorities and security agencies.
Security agencies have also advised increased surveillance around schools, deployment of additional personnel and closer collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters to prevent any security breach.
Otamere urged parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to address the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.
