Edo shuts three secondary schools over DSS alert on planned mass abduction

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports warning of a possible mass abduction of students in the 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 issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and dated June 9, 2026.

The circular, which was made available to journalists in Benin City, stated that the decision was taken after the Edo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) raised concerns over credible security threats targeting schools in the area.

The statement, signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, was addressed to the principals of the affected institutions.

According to the ministry, intelligence reports and security advisories from relevant agencies indicated potential threats to the safety of students, teachers, and other members of the school communities within parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The government said the temporary closure was necessary to safeguard lives and property while security agencies intensify efforts to neutralize the threat.

“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.

The ministry announced that all academic and non-academic activities in the three schools have been suspended indefinitely pending further directives from the government.

However, special arrangements have been made for students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The ministry directed that examination candidates should be granted access to sit for their papers under enhanced security measures.

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It added that the candidates would be supervised under strict security arrangements involving relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure their safety throughout the examination period.

The ministry further instructed the principals of the affected schools to facilitate the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.

They were also directed to secure school facilities and properties during the closure period and maintain regular communication with the Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.

School administrators were equally urged to comply fully with any additional directives that may be issued by the state government as the security situation develops.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government appealed to parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel working to address the threat.

The government assured citizens that efforts were being intensified to guarantee the safety of students and other residents while working towards the restoration of normal academic activities as soon as the security situation improves.

The development comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools and the abduction of students in parts of the country, prompting authorities to adopt preventive measures to avert potential security breaches.