Edo Shuts Three Schools Over Intelligence Report of Planned Student Abductions

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports warning of a possible mass abduction of students by suspected bandits operating within the region.

The precautionary measure comes after security agencies reportedly alerted government authorities to credible threats against educational institutions in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.

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

The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwen Otamere.

According to the circular, government received security advisories indicating potential threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding 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 said.

The government subsequently suspended all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools until further notice.

Otamere directed principals and school administrators to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians while taking necessary measures to secure school facilities.

He also instructed school authorities to maintain close communication with relevant government agencies and security organisations.

The development followed an intelligence report reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of plans by suspected bandits to carry out a large-scale kidnapping operation targeting school children within Edo North.

According to the security alert dated June 5, intelligence operatives intercepted communications between suspected bandits discussing plans to target students after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals allegedly failed to generate substantial ransom payments.

The report suggested that the suspects believed mass student abductions would attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing significant financial rewards.

Security concerns reportedly intensified following the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the schools now shut down.

Authorities believe the suspect’s activities may indicate that operational planning for the proposed attack had already commenced.

In response, security agencies recommended stronger protection around schools and educational institutions across vulnerable areas of the state.

The DSS also advised enhanced collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups and community hunters, alongside increased patrols and surveillance operations.

Despite the closure, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue to sit for their examinations under special security arrangements.

“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination 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 stated.

The government appealed to parents and residents to remain calm while security agencies continue efforts to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.