Edo Government Shuts Three Schools Over Alleged Student Kidnap Plot

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

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School. The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

According to the ministry, the precautionary measure was taken to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel amid growing security concerns in the area.

Despite the closure, students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will still be allowed to sit for their examinations under enhanced security arrangements.

Otamere stated that candidates writing the examination would have access to their examination centres under the supervision of security agencies and relevant community stakeholders to ensure their safety.

The Permanent Secretary also directed school administrators to facilitate the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school premises, and maintain close coordination with government authorities and security agencies.

The decision follows a security intelligence report reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 5 and addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The report warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence report, security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The report suggested that the suspects believed abducting students could attract greater government attention and increase the likelihood of receiving substantial ransom payments and other concessions.

Further findings revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke community, one of the schools affected by the government's closure order.

In response to the threat, the DSS recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups, and hunters, as well as increased patrols and surveillance across vulnerable communities.

Authorities have assured residents that necessary steps are being taken to prevent any security breach and ensure the safety of students and educational institutions in the affected areas.