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 planned mass abduction of students by suspected bandits.
Key highlight:
- 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 mass abduction by suspected bandits.
- The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, with the decision aimed at protecting students, staff, and surrounding communities.
- Security intelligence reportedly indicated that suspected bandits were considering targeting schoolchildren after previous kidnapping attempts involving wealthy individuals yielded limited financial returns.
- Authorities disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, heightening concerns about an imminent attack.
- Despite the closures, candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination will continue their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo, Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The closure directive is contained in a circular dated June 9 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
According to the circular, the decision follows security advisories from relevant agencies, warning of credible 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,” the circular stated.
The development is coming hours after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo publicly defended President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity and alleged that opposition politicians were sponsoring kidnappings to discredit the federal government.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us. What is happening today is in the hands of the opposition,” the governor had said.
Security reports cited by the government indicated that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted communications between two suspected bandits, allegedly discussing plans to target schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
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According to the intelligence memo, the suspects reportedly believed that abducting students would attract greater government attention and increase their chances of receiving substantial ransom payments.
The report further disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4, while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the institutions now shut down by the state government.
Authorities said the suspect’s activities heightened fears that preparations for the planned operation were already underway.
The DSS consequently advised the deployment of additional security personnel to schools and vulnerable communities, intensified surveillance operations, and stronger collaboration among security agencies, vigilante groups, and local hunters.
Despite the closure, the state government said candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to access examination centres under strict security arrangements.
Otamere directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.
He also urged residents and parents in the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat.
