The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction of students in the area.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive was contained in a circular dated June 9, 2026, issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and made available to journalists in Benin City.
According to the ministry, the decision was taken after the Edo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) raised a security alarm over credible threats targeting schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
In the circular signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry stated that intelligence reports from security agencies indicated serious concerns about the safety of students, teachers, and other members of the school communities in parts of Akoko-Edo.
“Consequently, and in line with the Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The ministry announced that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended until further notice.
However, it clarified that students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be permitted to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.
The statement noted that examination candidates would be supervised by relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure their safety throughout the examination period.
The affected school principals were directed to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure all school facilities and properties during the closure, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.
They were also instructed to comply strictly with any further directives that may be issued by the state government.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government appealed to parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts are intensified to prevent any security breach.
The government assured residents that measures are being put in place to safeguard lives and restore normal academic activities as soon as the security situation improves.
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