The Edo State government on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of three Secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after intelligence reports of a planned kidnap attack against students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, according to Daily Post.
The directive is contained in a circular endorsed by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
The circular, dated June 9, said the closure followed a security intelligence report by the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to a DSS memo dated June 5 and addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the agency intercepted communications between two suspected bandits.
The suspects were said to have discussed plans to target schoolchildren after previous attempts to abduct wealthy individuals allegedly failed to produce the expected financial gains.
The report indicated that the suspects believed the abduction of students would attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing huge ransom payments and other concessions.
The intelligence memo also disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly carrying out surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.
Makeke Secondary School was among the three schools later ordered shut by the state government.
According to the document, the suspect’s activities raised fears that preparations for the planned attack may already have begun.
The DSS advised authorities to strengthen security around schools and other educational institutions across the state, particularly in Edo North.
It also recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, increased collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups and hunters, as well as intensified patrols and surveillance in vulnerable communities.
In the circular directing the closure of the schools, Otamere said the decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies concerning threats to 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 the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said.
The permanent secretary said all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice.
He explained that the move was necessary to protect lives and property while security agencies continued efforts to address the threat.
Otamere, however, said candidates currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would be allowed to access their examination centres.
He said such access would be permitted only 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,” he said.
The ministry directed principals of the affected schools to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.
They were also asked to secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.
The state government appealed to parents, guardians and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
It assured them that efforts were ongoing to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected schools.
