Senator Joseph Ikpea, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for ordering the temporary closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction of students.
The closure was announced by the Edo State Government after security intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly indicated that suspected bandits were plotting to target schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District. In response, the state government directed the immediate shutdown of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School as a precautionary measure.
Reacting to the development, Senator Joseph Ikpea praised the governor’s swift intervention, describing the decision as a proactive step aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, and school communities from potential attacks.
According to reports, the directive was contained in a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere. The circular cited security advisories warning of credible threats to schools and surrounding communities in Akoko-Edo.
The DSS alert reportedly stemmed from intelligence suggesting that criminal elements were planning a large-scale kidnapping operation targeting schoolchildren in the area. Security agencies subsequently advised the government to take preventive measures to avert any possible attack.
Senator Ikpea noted that the protection of lives, particularly those of schoolchildren, should remain a top priority for government at all levels. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
The Edo State Government has assured parents and guardians that the closure is temporary and intended solely to ensure the safety of students while security agencies assess the threat and strengthen surveillance in the affected areas. Authorities have also pledged to keep the public informed of developments and to reopen the schools once the security situation improves.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over school-related abductions in parts of Nigeria, prompting state governments and security agencies to adopt preventive measures to protect educational institutions from potential attacks.
