The Edo State government has ordered an immediate shutdown of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government area after receiving credible intelligence of a planned mass abduction of students.
A circular from the Ministry of Education, signed by Permanent Secretary Enodolomwanyi Otamere and dated Tuesday, named the affected institutions as Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
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The document was later confirmed by the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin.
The action follows a security alert issued by the Department of State Services.
In a memo dated 5 June and sent to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the DSS reported intercepting communications between two suspected bandits.
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The suspects allegedly shifted focus to kidnapping school children after failed attempts to target wealthy individuals, believing student abductions would force faster government response and higher ransom payouts.
The threat became more concrete when a 25-year-old man was arrested on 4 June for reportedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community.
Security operatives said the timing and location of his activities heightened concerns that an attack could be imminent.
In response, the DSS advised state authorities to tighten security around schools, especially across Edo North Senatorial District.
In his memo, Otamere said the closure was a precautionary measure based on advisories from security agencies warning of dangers to students, teachers, and nearby residents.
“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 the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he stated.
All academic and non-academic activities in the three schools have been suspended indefinitely to protect lives and property.
However, students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination will still be permitted into exam halls.
The Permanent Secretary assured that WASSCE candidates will sit their papers “under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.”
School principals have been directed to release students safely to parents and guardians, secure school premises, and stay in close contact with government and security officials.
Otamere also appealed to parents and residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives while efforts to neutralize the threat and resume normal classes continue.
