Govt Shuts Schools over Kidnapping Threats

The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a potential kidnapping threat targeting students.

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

The decision, announced by the state Ministry of Education, followed security advisories warning of possible attacks on educational institutions within the area.

A circular signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, stated that the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding students, teachers and surrounding communities pending further security assessments.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that intelligence gathered by security agencies, including the Department of State Services, pointed to plans by suspected criminal elements to target schools in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the sources, the suspected kidnappers may have shifted attention to schools after previous attempts to abduct affluent individuals reportedly yielded little financial benefit.

Security operatives were also said to have intercepted information suggesting that attacks on schools could attract quicker responses and potentially higher ransom demands.

Concerns heightened after the arrest of a suspect allegedly found conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in early June, a development investigators believe may be linked to the reported threat.

Following the intelligence reports, security agencies reportedly advised the state government to adopt preventive measures, including strengthening security around schools and other public facilities.

The recommendations included increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering and collaboration with local vigilante groups and community security outfits.

The ministry stated that all academic and administrative activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice.

However, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination will be allowed to continue writing their papers under enhanced security arrangements.

The government said security personnel and community stakeholders would work together to ensure the safety of examination candidates throughout the exercise.

School authorities were directed to facilitate the safe return of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with security agencies during the period of closure.

The state government appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, assuring them that efforts were underway to neutralise any threat and restore normal academic activities as soon as possible.