Edo Govt Reopens Schools Shut Over Bandit Abduction Threat

The Edo State Government has approved the reopening of three schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area that were temporarily shut over intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction of students by suspected bandits.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School in Edo North Senatorial District. The closure was ordered last Wednesday after the Department of State Services issued a security memo warning of imminent threats to students, staff, and host communities.

According to the DSS report, security operatives intercepted communications suggesting plans to target students. A suspect was also said to have been apprehended during surveillance activities around Makeke Secondary School.

As a precaution, academic activities were suspended in the three schools. Candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, were allowed to sit for their papers under special security arrangements.

In a circular issued in Benin on Friday and seen by reporters, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, said the decision to reopen the schools followed a comprehensive review of the security situation by relevant agencies and stakeholders.

“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners, teachers, and other school personnel,” Otamere stated.

“All public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities, with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” he added.

The permanent secretary directed school heads, proprietors, and education authorities to make necessary arrangements for the safe return of students and staff. He also urged them to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to sustain a safe learning environment.

Otamere reassured parents and guardians that adequate security measures had been deployed across the affected schools.

“The Government remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely, while taking all necessary steps to safeguard the education sector,” he said.

He encouraged parents to ensure their children and wards return to school promptly to continue academic activities.

With the directive, normal classes are expected to resume in the three schools on Monday, as the government insists the security situation has been brought under control.