Edo govt closes secondary schools after DSS uncover alleged kidnapping plot on students

Three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area have been directed to close immediately on suspicion of kidnap threat to students within the area according to the directive from the Edo State Government.

This comes from a circular document released by the Ministry of Education in Edo State and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

The circular released in the state on June 9 and accessed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stated that the closure is as a result of credible security information threatening the security of the lives of pupils, teachers and communities around the schools.

This follows a security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Edo State on the suspicion of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to kidnap students within Edo North Senatorial District.

The memo claims to have found through intercepted communication between the two suspected kidnappers, a plan to kidnap schoolchildren after unsuccessful kidnapping attempts at abducting rich individuals.

It added that the suspects felt that mass abduction of students would ensure more publicity for ransom payment.

Moreover, there were reports of a 25-year-old individual who was arrested on June 4 due to his alleged acts of surveillance in the surroundings of Makeke Secondary School – an affected school.

To address this threat, security officials recommended that the government beef up security around schools, increase manpower, enhance surveillance efforts and coordinate with other security outfits, such as the vigilante groups and local hunters.

According to the Ministry of Education directive, all activities of both academic and non-academic nature have been put on hold temporarily until further notification as a safety precaution.

However, it is worth noting that the Ministry gave a directive for the continuation of WASSCE examinations for the candidates taking part in the examination, although security measures would be tightened.

Furthermore, it has been reported that schools were instructed to safely release students to their parents while ensuring security and communicating with the relevant agencies of the government and security bodies.

Parents and community members have been advised to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel.