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 dated June 9 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
The decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of credible threats to the safety of students, teachers and residents in parts of Akoko-Edo.
“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 the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” Otamere stated.
He said all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property.
The closure comes on the heels of a Department of State Services intelligence report which allegedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out mass abductions of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the report, security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected bandits, who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.
The report further disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, raising concerns that preparations for the planned operation may have already commenced.
Following the development, security agencies recommended increased protection around schools, deployment of additional personnel, stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters, as well as intensified patrols in vulnerable communities.
Despite the closure, the government said candidates currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue to sit for their papers 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,” Otamere said.
He directed school authorities to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government officials and security agencies.
The government also appealed to residents and parents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.
(NAN)
