The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following reported security concerns over a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren.
The decision followed intelligence reports and security advisories indicating credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in parts of the local government area.
In a circular dated June 9, 2026, and signed by the Ministry of Education, the affected schools, Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, were marked for temporary closure in line with the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The circular directed the principals of the affected schools to comply with the order with immediate effect pending further directives from the state government.
The directive followed a leaked security intelligence report attributed to the Department of State Services (DSS), addressed to the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Benin City and titled “Planned Mass Abduction of School Children in Edo State by Suspected Bandits.”
The report, dated June 5, 2026, claimed that intelligence at the disposal of the command indicated plans by suspected bandits to kidnap schoolchildren in Edo State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
It stated that the plot was allegedly uncovered through intercepted communication between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa (surname not fully stated), said to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State, and another suspect identified as Nuhu (surname not fully stated).
According to the document, the suspects allegedly discussed plans to shift their target from wealthy individuals to schoolchildren, claiming that such attacks would attract greater government attention and higher ransom payments.
The intelligence report also noted that on June 4, 2026, one Emmanuel Momidu (25) was apprehended while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
In its recommendations, the report advised that countermeasures be put in place around schools in the state, with particular focus on Edo North Senatorial District, to strengthen security around educational institutions.
It suggested the deployment of security personnel to vulnerable schools and communities in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters, as well as intensified patrols in identified risk areas to enhance surveillance.
Acting on the security advisory, the Edo State Ministry of Education approved the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.
The schools are expected to remain closed pending further security assessment and directives from the state government.