Edo Govt shuts three schools over alleged kidnap threat

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area over security concerns linked to an alleged planned abduction in the state’s northern axis.

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

The decision, announced on Wednesday, follows a reported intelligence alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which allegedly uncovered a plan by suspected criminals to abduct students in public schools within Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence report, a communication between two suspects was intercepted in which details of the planned attack were allegedly discussed. The report also claimed that a suspect was arrested within one of the schools while allegedly conducting surveillance ahead of the operation.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, the state government said the closure was part of efforts to protect students, teachers and other school personnel from potential attacks.

The government directed that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools be suspended indefinitely pending further security review.

It, however, clarified that students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would still be allowed to sit for their exams under strict security arrangements involving school authorities, security agencies and community leaders.

School principals were instructed to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents, secure school facilities, and maintain communication with education and security authorities during the closure period.

The statement urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, assuring that measures were being intensified to restore safety and normal academic activities as soon as possible.