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 directive followed a security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of a potential mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, announced that the affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
Otamere said the decision was based on security advisories from relevant agencies indicating credible threats to the safety of students, staff and residents of the affected communities.
“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,” the statement read.
He said all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as part of measures to protect lives and property.
However, candidates currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be allowed access to their examination centres under strict 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 added.
The ministry directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the safe release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain communication with government authorities and security agencies.
Parents and residents were also urged to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to address the security threat and restore normal academic activities.
The closure comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools in different parts of the country.
On May 15, bandits abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.
Similarly, on May 16, suspected Boko Haram insurgents abducted 42 pupils and students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State
