KEY POINTS

• Edo State Government has closed three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo LGA following intelligence reports of a planned student abduction.

• The decision was based on security alerts from the DSS and other agencies warning of credible threats to students, teachers and nearby communities.

• WAEC candidates will continue their examinations under tight security while authorities work to neutralise the threat.

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports indicating a possible kidnap plot targeting students.

The precautionary measure was taken after security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly uncovered plans by criminal elements to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

Authorities said the decision was necessary to protect students, teachers and residents of the affected communities from potential danger.

The schools affected by the closure are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

In a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the government directed that all academic and non-academic activities in the schools be suspended until further notice.

The directive took effect immediately, with school authorities instructed to comply fully with the government’s safety measures.

Security Intelligence Prompted Action

According to the Ministry of Education, the closure followed intelligence reports and security advisories warning of credible threats against educational institutions and surrounding communities within the local government area.

Officials explained that the reports pointed to potential attacks capable of endangering students and school personnel if proactive measures were not taken.

The government noted that the decision was made purely as a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding lives and preventing any security breach.

Despite the closure of the schools, students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will still be allowed to sit for their examinations.

The state government said special arrangements have been made to ensure that candidates complete their examinations without disruption.

According to the ministry, security agencies and community stakeholders will provide strict security and supervision around examination centres to guarantee the safety of candidates and examination officials.

The Ministry of Education directed principals and school administrators to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.

School authorities were also instructed to secure all facilities and maintain regular communication with government officials and security agencies throughout the period of closure.

Parents, guardians and community members were urged not to panic but to cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to address the threat.

The government assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to protect lives and restore normal academic activities as soon as it is safe to do so.