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 decision followed a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of a credible threat to schools in the area.
The affected institutions are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School. According to the government, the measure was taken to safeguard the lives of students, teachers and other school personnel pending an improvement in the security situation.
The DSS intelligence report, dated June 5, reportedly indicated that suspected bandits were considering targeting schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap high-profile individuals failed to generate the desired ransom payments. Security operatives were also said to have intercepted communications between two suspected bandits discussing plans to abduct students to attract higher ransom demands and wider public attention.
In a related development, a 25-year-old suspect was reportedly arrested while carrying out surveillance around Makeke Secondary School.
The state government announced the indefinite suspension of all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools. However, it assured that candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be allowed to write their papers under strict security arrangements.
School principals were directed to ensure the safe handover of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain communication with relevant security agencies.
The DSS further recommended the deployment of additional security personnel to schools across Edo North Senatorial District. It also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups and hunters, alongside intensified patrols in vulnerable communities.
The closure comes amid growing concerns over recurring abductions targeting schools and rural communities across Nigeria. Recent years have witnessed several high-profile attacks on educational institutions, underscoring persistent security challenges and the vulnerability of students in some parts of the country.
Security analysts have warned that kidnapping has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise driven by ransom payments and coordinated armed networks. In response to the rising threat, the Federal Government has announced measures including increased police recruitment and the deployment of forest guards to strengthen security in high-risk areas.
