Edo State Government Closes Schools Over Alleged Kidnap Plot

The Edo State Government has taken a proactive measure to ensure the safety of students by ordering the immediate closure of three secondary schools in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. This decision was made following a security intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) that suggested a planned abduction of students in the area. The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School. According to the State Ministry of Education, the closure is a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel from potential harm. In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the government stated that despite the closure, students currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would still be allowed to take their exams under strict security arrangements. Otamere emphasized that the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders would provide supervision to ensure the students' safety. He also directed school principals to ensure an orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies. The DSS report, dated June 5, warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children in the Edo North Senatorial District. The report indicated that the suspects believed abducting students would attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments. A 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School. The DSS recommended the deployment of additional security personnel, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, and intensified patrols and surveillance in vulnerable communities.