Edo govt shuts schools as DSS unravels alleged kidnap plot targeting students

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 planned kidnap operation targeting students.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, affects Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The circular, dated June 9 and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the decision was taken after security alerts raised concerns over credible threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

The development follows a security intelligence memo reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the memo, intercepted communications between two suspected bandits revealed discussions around targeting students after earlier failed attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals.

The suspects were said to believe that mass abduction of students would attract greater attention and increase the likelihood of securing ransom payments.

The intelligence report also indicated that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly carrying out surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the affected institutions.

In response to the threat, security agencies advised the government to reinforce protection around schools, deploy additional personnel, strengthen surveillance and improve coordination among security forces, vigilante groups and local hunters.

The Ministry of Education, in its directive, said all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure.

It, however, clarified that candidates currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be allowed to continue their exams under strict security arrangements.

School authorities were directed to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents, secure school premises and maintain communication with relevant government and security agencies.

Parents and residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities in the affected communities.

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