Edo reopens schools shut over report on bandits’ mass abduction plot

By Usman Aliyu

The Edo Government has approved the reopening of schools recently shut over security concerns, after intelligence reports indicated a plan to carry out mass abduction of students by bandits in the in Akoko-Edo LGA of the state.

The State Government had ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School in reaction to a security memo by the Department of State Services, which reportedly raised concerns over an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.

DSS, had in the intelligence reports warned of imminent threats to the safety of students, staff and host communities.

The intelligence report indicated that security operatives intercepted communications suggesting plans to target students, while a suspect was reportedly apprehended during surveillance activities around Makeke Secondary School.

Consequently, the state government had last Wednesday suspended academic activities in the affected schools as a precautionary measure, while candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) had to sit for their examinations under special security arrangements.

However, the approval to reopen the schools is contained in a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere seen in Benin, on Friday.

According to Otamere, the decision to reopen the schools was taken after a comprehensive review of the security situation by relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.

He said that government was satisfied that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.

“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners, teachers, and other school personnel.

“All public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities, with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” he added.

The permanent secretary directed school heads, proprietors and relevant education authorities to make the necessary arrangements for the safe return of students and members of staff.

He also urged them to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a safe and conducive learning environment.

He reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been deployed across the affected schools.

“The Government remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely, while taking all necessary steps to safeguard the education sector,” he stated.

Otamere encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards returned to school promptly to continue their academic activities.

With the latest directive, normal academic activities are expected to resume in the schools on Monday, following government’s assurances that the security situation had been brought under control.

(NAN)