The Edo state government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo LGA following an intelligence report of a kidnap threat against students.
The move follows the security intelligence report by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo north senatorial district.
A circular issued on Wednesday by Enodolomwanyi Otamere, permanent secretary of the state’s ministry of education, said the affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
According to NAN, the permanent secretary said that the decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding 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,” the statement reads.
Otamere said 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.
He, however, noted that candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to have access to examination centres 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,” he said.
The ministry 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.
The ministry 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.
The development comes amid growing public concern over an uptick in bandit attacks targeting schools across different parts of the country.
On May 15, about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were abducted by bandits across three schools in Oriire axis of Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
During the attack, gunmen killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist. Days later, Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was beheaded by the kidnappers, triggering nationwide outrage.
Also, on May 16, about 42 pupils and students were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state.
