Edo Government Shuts Three Schools Over Credible Kidnap Threat, Tightens Security in Akoko-Edo

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of a planned abduction of students.

The directive, issued through a circular from the State Ministry of Education and signed by Permanent Secretary Enodolomwanyi Otamere, affects Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.

According to the government, the decision was based on credible intelligence indicating a potential kidnap attempt targeting schoolchildren in the area.

Security sources said the DSS had earlier intercepted intelligence suggesting that suspected armed groups were planning to abduct students, reportedly after previous ransom attempts involving high-profile targets failed to yield expected returns.

The intelligence further indicated heightened surveillance activities around school premises in the affected communities, including reports of a 25-year-old suspect allegedly caught monitoring movements near Makeke Secondary School.

Following the alert, the Ministry of Education ordered the suspension of all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools until further notice, pending improvement in the security situation.

Authorities also directed school principals to ensure the safe release of students to parents and maintain close coordination with security agencies during the closure period.

Despite the shutdown, the government assured that candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council would not be denied access to their examinations, with arrangements expected to be made under strict security supervision.

The DSS has recommended increased deployment of security personnel across Akoko-Edo and other vulnerable parts of Edo North Senatorial District, alongside stronger collaboration between security agencies, vigilante groups, and local communities.

The latest action adds to growing concern over repeated attempts by armed groups to target schools across Nigeria. Similar incidents in recent months have included mass abductions in Borno, Niger, and Kogi States, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities in rural education infrastructure.

Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to prevent any attack and ensure the safety of students and residents in the affected areas.