By Desmond Ogbonmwan | Nigeria News Desk
The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports warning of a possible plot to abduct students.
The precautionary measure affects Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
Authorities said the decision was taken to protect students, teachers, and school personnel while security agencies assess and respond to the reported threat.
The directive was contained in an official circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
WASSCE Candidates to Continue Examinations
Despite the temporary closure, students currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will still be allowed to write their examinations.
According to the government, special security arrangements will be put in place to ensure candidates can safely access examination centres.
Officials said security agencies and community stakeholders would work together to provide protection throughout the examination period.
School principals have also been directed to coordinate the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians while ensuring school facilities remain secured during the closure.
DSS Report Raises Security Concerns
The decision follows an intelligence report reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) and addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the report, security operatives intercepted communications suggesting that suspected bandits were discussing plans to target schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.
The intelligence reportedly indicated that previous attempts to abduct wealthy individuals had not produced the financial returns expected by the suspects.
As a result, the report claimed that schoolchildren were being considered as potential targets because such incidents often attract wider public attention and emergency government response.
Suspect Allegedly Arrested Near School
The security report further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was allegedly arrested on June 4 while conducting surveillance activities around Makeke Secondary School, one of the institutions now closed.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the suspect or whether further arrests have been made.
However, the development appears to have heightened concerns among security agencies and government officials.
Growing Focus on School Security
The incident highlights the continued importance of school safety measures in communities facing security challenges.
In recent years, attacks and attempted abductions involving educational institutions have prompted governments across Nigeria to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering, and increase security around vulnerable schools.
While no attack has occurred in the affected Edo communities, officials say preventive action is necessary whenever credible intelligence suggests a potential threat.
For parents and students, the temporary closure may cause disruption, but authorities insist the move is intended to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from unfolding.
Security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance in the area as investigations continue.
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About the Author
Desmond Ogbonmwan is a digital media strategist and editor at RoseOnAllSidesHQ. He covers Nigerian affairs, governance, education, security, and human-interest stories, focusing on reporting that explains not only what happened but why it matters to communities.