The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following credible intelligence reports indicating a planned kidnapping attack targeting students in the area.
The decision, announced through a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, affects Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
According to the government, the temporary closure is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students, teachers, and other school personnel amid growing security concerns and reports of potential attacks by suspected criminal elements.
Authorities explained that the action became necessary after receiving intelligence suggesting that armed bandits were plotting to abduct students in parts of Edo North Senatorial District. The government stressed that the safety and security of learners remain a top priority and that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent any security breach.
Despite the closure of the affected schools, the state government clarified that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would still be allowed to sit for their examinations.
Otamere stated that special arrangements had been put in place to ensure that examination candidates were not disadvantaged by the security situation.
“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,” the permanent secretary said.
He added that security agencies would work closely with local communities and education authorities to provide adequate protection around examination centres throughout the period of the examinations.
The Ministry of Education also directed principals and heads of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians. School administrators were further instructed to secure school premises and maintain regular communication with government officials and security agencies regarding developments in the area.
Officials said the closure would remain in effect until the security situation improves and authorities are satisfied that students and staff can safely return to their classrooms.
The development follows a security intelligence report reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 5 and addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the report, security operatives intercepted communications suggesting that suspected bandits were planning a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren within Edo North Senatorial District.
The intelligence reportedly revealed conversations between two suspected bandits who discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
According to the security report, the suspects allegedly believed that abducting students would attract greater government attention and increase the likelihood of receiving substantial ransom payments and other concessions.
The report raised serious concerns among security agencies, prompting swift consultations with relevant authorities and the eventual closure of the affected schools.
Further details from the intelligence report indicated that security operatives arrested a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke community.
Investigators reportedly believe the suspect was gathering information that could have been used to facilitate a planned attack on the school.
The arrest heightened fears that the threat was genuine and may have been at an advanced stage of planning, leading authorities to act quickly to prevent any possible incident.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that educational institutions remain vulnerable targets for criminal groups seeking ransom payments. Over the past few years, several states across northern and central Nigeria have experienced mass abductions of students, prompting governments to strengthen security around schools.
In response to the latest threat, the DSS recommended several measures aimed at preventing any attack. These include the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable communities, increased intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance operations, and closer collaboration among security agencies.
The agency also urged stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies, local vigilante groups, hunters, and community leaders to improve security coverage across the affected areas.
Authorities have additionally been advised to intensify patrols around schools, major roads, and isolated communities considered vulnerable to criminal activities.
The Edo State Government reassured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to address the situation and ensure the protection of lives and property.
Parents and guardians have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities while security measures are being strengthened.
The government emphasized that the temporary closure of the schools was a preventive step designed to avert potential tragedy rather than a response to an attack that had already occurred.
As security agencies continue their investigations and surveillance operations, residents of the affected communities remain hopeful that the measures being implemented will neutralize the threat and allow students to return safely to their academic activities.
The incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing parts of the country and underscores the growing need for proactive measures to protect schools, students, and educational institutions from criminal attacks.
