Edo Orders Immediate Closure of Three Schools Over Kidnap Risk, Ensures WASSCE Exams Continue Under Tight Security

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area over security concerns and fears of a possible abduction threat targeting students.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School and Ososo Comprehensive High School, both located in Ososo, as well as Makeke Secondary School in Makeke.

The decision follows reports circulating on social media, allegedly based on a Department of State Services (DSS) alert, warning of a planned mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in parts of the state.

Announcing the measure, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, said the action was taken to prevent any security breach and ensure the safety of students and school personnel.

According to him, Governor Okpebholo considers the protection of lives and property a non-negotiable responsibility of his administration.

In a statement, the government declared the immediate suspension of activities in the affected schools.

“The Edo State Government hereby announces the immediate closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke, until further notice,” the statement read.

It added that all academic and non-academic activities in the schools would remain suspended pending further security assessments.

Despite the closure, the government assured that candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would not be affected.

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Rather than halt the examinations, authorities said special arrangements had been put in place to enable candidates sit for their papers under enhanced security supervision.

The government explained that access to examination centres would be coordinated by school authorities, security agencies and community leaders to guarantee the safety of students throughout the examination period.

School principals were also directed to immediately release students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with education officials and security agencies.

While urging residents not to panic, the state government said the closure was purely precautionary and aimed at preventing any threat to students and staff.

Parents and community members were encouraged to cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to strengthen security in the area and create conditions for the safe reopening of the schools.

“The safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and school personnel remain a top priority,” the government stated, assuring residents that normal academic activities would resume once the security situation improves.

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