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 kidnapping plot targeting students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
The decision followed a security alert reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of plans by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the intelligence report, security operatives intercepted conversations between two suspected criminals who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to students after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected ransom payments.
The report suggested that the suspects believed abducting schoolchildren would attract greater public attention and increase pressure on authorities to negotiate their release.
Security concerns intensified after the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4. Authorities said the suspect was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the schools now shut down.
The development raised fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
In response, security agencies recommended stronger protection around schools across the state, particularly in Edo North.
The recommendations included deploying additional personnel, increasing patrols, strengthening surveillance, and improving coordination among security agencies, local vigilantes, and hunters.
Explaining the closure, the Ministry of Education said it acted on credible security advisories indicating threats to students, teachers, and surrounding communities.
“As a precautionary measure, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended until further notice,” the ministry stated.
Despite the closure, students currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be allowed to continue their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.
The ministry directed school principals to ensure students are safely released to their parents or guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain close communication with relevant authorities and security agencies.
Parents and residents of the affected communities have also been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to address the threat and restore normal academic activities.
The closure comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing threat of school abductions in parts of Nigeria, a trend that has prompted governments at various levels to adopt preventive measures to protect students and educational institutions.
