Edo Closes Three Schools Over Alleged Student Abduction Plot

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned abduction of students by suspected bandits.

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

The decision followed a security alert reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of an alleged plot to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence report dated June 5 and addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits who allegedly discussed targeting students after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield the expected financial returns.

The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and other concessions.

The intelligence memo also revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the schools affected by the closure. Security officials said the suspect’s activities raised concerns that plans for the operation may already have been underway.

In response, the DSS advised authorities to strengthen security around schools and other educational institutions, particularly within Edo North. The agency also recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, increased surveillance, and closer collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups and hunters.

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Explaining the government’s decision, Otamere said the Ministry of Education had received credible security advisories warning of threats to students, teachers and surrounding communities in parts of Akoko-Edo.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.

ALSO READ: DSS Warns Of Planned School Abductions In Edo

He added that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives and property.

Despite the closure, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.

Otamere said security agencies and community stakeholders would provide the necessary protection to ensure that examination candidates have safe access to their centres.

He further directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.

The permanent secretary also urged parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.

(NAN)