The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following security concerns over a potential mass abduction of students.

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

The directive was contained in a circular dated June 9, 2026, issued by the State Ministry of Education and made available to journalists in Benin City.

According to the ministry, the decision was prompted by a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of a credible threat of mass abduction targeting schoolchildren in the Edo North Senatorial District.

The circular, signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and addressed to the principals of the affected schools, ordered the immediate suspension of all academic and non-academic activities until further notice.

Despite the closure, the ministry directed that students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) be allowed to sit for their papers under strict security arrangements.

It stated that the examinations should be conducted with appropriate supervision from relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure the safety of candidates.

The ministry explained that intelligence reports from security agencies indicated credible threats to the lives of students, staff and members of the affected school communities, making the temporary closure necessary as a precautionary measure.

Principals of the affected schools were instructed to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure all school facilities during the shutdown, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education and security agencies.

They were also directed to comply with any additional instructions that may be issued by the state government.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government urged parents, guardians and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that efforts are being intensified to guarantee public safety and facilitate the resumption of normal academic activities as soon as possible.

Edo Government Shuts Three Secondary Schools Over Kidnap Threat

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