The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following security alerts over an alleged threat of mass abduction targeting schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.
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 followed intelligence reports and security advisories received from the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning credible threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.
The circular, signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.
It stated that all academic and non-academic activities in the three schools had been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
“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.
“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 read.
Despite the closure, the state government directed that candidates currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) should still be allowed access to sit for their examinations.
The ministry said the examinations would take place under strict security arrangements and supervision involving relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.
“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination 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,” it added.
The affected principals were instructed to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians while also securing school facilities and government property during the period of closure.
They were further directed to maintain close communication with the Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education and security agencies, while complying with any additional directives issued by the state government.
The Edo State Government appealed to parents, guardians and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts continue to address the situation.
Authorities also assured the public that measures were being intensified to guarantee the safety of citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as possible.
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of schools across Nigeria following a series of kidnapping incidents and security alerts in different parts of the country.
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