By Queen Madaki
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 kidnap attack targeting students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
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 circular, dated June 9 and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Wednesday, followed a security advisory issued by the Department of State Services (DSS).
DSS Intelligence Raises Alarm Over Planned School Abduction
According to a DSS memo dated June 5, suspected bandits were allegedly planning a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
The intelligence report indicated that security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed targeting schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
The suspects reportedly believed that abducting students would attract greater government attention and improve their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and concessions.
The report further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the schools now affected by the closure order.
Security agencies noted that the suspect’s activities heightened concerns that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
Government Suspends Academic Activities
In response to the threat, the Ministry of Education directed the immediate suspension of all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools until further notice.
“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,” Otamere stated.
He explained that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of students, teachers, and members of the affected communities.
WASSCE Candidates Exempted From Closure
The Permanent Secretary clarified that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to sit for 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,” he said.
Otamere also directed school authorities to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians while taking necessary measures to secure school facilities.
Security Agencies Intensify Preventive Measures
The DSS advised security agencies to strengthen surveillance around schools and other educational institutions across the state, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel, stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters, and intensified patrols in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government urged parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.
The Bureau Journal reports that authorities have assured residents that necessary measures are being taken to protect students and prevent any security breach in the affected communities.
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