Edo State Schools Reopen Following Enhanced Security Measures

Following a thorough assessment of the security situation in collaboration with security agencies, the Edo State Government has given the directive for schools that were temporarily shut down on Tuesday to reopen on Monday. This development comes after Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko Edo, Edo North, due to a security alert from the Department of State Security regarding a planned attack by bandits on some schools in the state. According to a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Enodolomwanyi Otamere, on Thursday, the decision to reopen the schools was made after a comprehensive review of the security situation. The government has implemented enhanced security measures and deployed additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other school personnel. The circular stated, 'The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel and the schools should be re-opened on Monday, June 15.' Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier closure order have been directed to resume normal academic and administrative activities from June 15. School heads, proprietors, and education authorities were instructed to make adequate preparations for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to sustain a secure learning environment. The government has reassured parents, guardians, and other stakeholders that adequate security measures have been deployed across schools and has pledged to continue monitoring developments to protect lives, property, and the education sector. The government has also urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities.