Edo govt directs reopening of schools closed over security threat

The Edo State Government has approved the reopening of schools that were recently shut down in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following security concerns linked to a suspected plot to abduct students.

The schools were closed on Wednesday after a security intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) warned of a planned mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in the Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the report, security agencies intercepted communications indicating plans to target students in the area.

A suspect was also reportedly arrested during surveillance operations around Makeke Secondary School.

A circular issued by Enodolomwanyi Otamere, permanent secretary of the state’s ministry of education, said the affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The directive has compelled candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to sit for their examinations under special security arrangements.

However, in a separate circular on Friday, Otamere said a decision to reopen the schools was taken after a comprehensive review of the security situation by relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.

He said the government was satisfied that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.

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

“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.”

According to NAN, the permanent secretary directed school heads, proprietors and relevant education authorities to make the necessary arrangements for the safe return of students and members of staff.

He also urged them to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a safe and conducive learning environment.

He reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders 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.

Otamere encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards returned to school promptly to continue their academic activities.

The development comes amid growing public concern over an uptick in bandit attacks targeting schools across different parts of the country.

On May 15, about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were abducted by bandits across three schools in Oriire axis of Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

During the attack, gunmen killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist. Days later, Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was beheaded by the kidnappers, triggering nationwide outrage.

Also, on May 16, about 42 pupils and students were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state.

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