Edo reopens schools shut over kidnap threats

The Edo State Government has approved the reopening of the three schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area recently shut over security concerns.

The government had announced the closure of the schools after the State Security Service warned about a plot to abduct schoolchildren.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.

The approval for the reopening of the schools is contained in a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin, on Friday.

According to Mr 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 the 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, 15 June 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 staff members.

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.

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

Meanwhile, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the affected schools have been writing their examinations under special security arrangements.

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.