The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following credible intelligence reports of an imminent kidnap threat against students.
The directive, contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, affected Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
According to the document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, all academic and non-academic activities in these institutions have been suspended until further notice to safeguard lives and property.
The government’s decisive action follows a chilling security intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) dated June 5, 2026.
The DSS warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children within the Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the intelligence memo, which was addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intercepted communications revealed that the suspects turned their focus to school children after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield the desired financial gains.
The bandits reportedly believe that targeting students will force greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments.
Anxieties in the region were further heightened by the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4 while he was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School.
The security document noted that the suspect’s scouting activities strongly indicated that preparations for the mass abduction were already underway.
In response to the looming danger, the DSS advised state authorities to urgently strengthen protection around educational institutions, recommend the deployment of additional security personnel, and foster closer collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups, and hunters.
In spite of the sudden closures, the Ministry of Education has assured the public that students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will not be disrupted. “Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision,” Otamere stated.
This specialized arrangement will be heavily monitored by relevant security agencies and local community stakeholders to guarantee the safety of the candidates.
Meanwhile, school principals have been officially directed to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure all school facilities, and maintain open communication lines with government authorities.
The Permanent Secretary urged parents and residents of the affected Akoko-Edo communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with law enforcement.
He emphasized that intensive efforts are already underway by security forces and local stakeholders to neutralize the threat and restore normalcy to the educational sector.
