Following intelligence information of a planned kidnapping attack targeting kids, the Edo State Government ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School are the schools impacted.

Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, issued a circular dated June 9 that contained the directive.

The decision was made in response to security advisories from pertinent organizations alerting residents, teachers, and students in certain areas of Akoko-Edo to potential risks to their safety.

“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,” Otamere stated.

In order to protect people and property, he said, all academic and extracurricular activities in the impacted schools have been put on indefinite hold.

The shutdown follows an intelligence report from the Department of State Services that purportedly revealed preparations by suspected bandits to kidnap pupils in large numbers in the Edo North Senatorial District.

The article claims that when earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy people failed to yield the anticipated financial returns, two accused bandits discussed turning their attention to youngsters in contacts that security personnel overheard.

The report also said that a 25-year-old suspect was detained on June 4 while purportedly surveilling the area near Makeke Secondary School, increasing suspicions that the operation's preparations may have already begun.

Following the incident, security officials suggested stepping up patrols in high-risk areas, deploying more people, enhancing cooperation with local hunters and vigilante organizations, and strengthening security around schools.

Following the incident, security officials suggested stepping up patrols in high-risk areas, deploying more people, enhancing cooperation with local hunters and vigilante organizations, and strengthening security around schools.

The administration stated that candidates taking the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would still take their exams under increased security measures notwithstanding the closure.

Source