Following intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction by bandits, students in three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have been ordered to stay home.
The Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the state government on Tuesday regarding a plot by bandits targeting students, particularly within the state’s northern senatorial district.
In a direct response to the threat, the Edo State Government directed the immediate closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive was contained in a Ministry of Education circular dated June 9 and obtained in Benin on Wednesday.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, who signed the circular, confirmed that the closures were based on security advisories warning of imminent threats to students, teachers, and host communities.
“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 Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said
According to him, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
The Permanent Secretary, therefore, directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.
He also urged parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.
Otamare said candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to have access to examination centres, but under strict security arrangements.
“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.”
Persecondnews recalls that the DSS had in a memo dated June 5 warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the intelligence memo addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits.Nigerian Politics Coverage
The two suspects allegedly discussed targeting school children after earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield expected financial gains.
The report indicates that the suspects believed abducting students will attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and other concessions.
The memo further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect, was arrested on June 4, while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community, one of the schools subsequently shut by the government.
According to the document, the suspect’s activities heightened fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.
To counter the threat, the security agency advised state authorities to tighten security at schools and educational institutions, with a particular focus on Edo North.
The DSS also recommended deploying additional personnel and increasing patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, the agency emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security forces, local vigilante groups, and hunters.
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