By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – THE Edo State government on Wednesday said it has shut down three public secondary schools till further notice due to security concerns.
The decision may not be unconnected to a leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in which the intelligence agency said it had uncovered a planned abduction in public schools in Edo North Senatorial District.
The document also claimed that a communication between two suspects in which the plot was being planned was intercepted, and that an individual was arrested at one of the public schools in the area, apparently on a surveillance mission.
A statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, identified the schools as Ososo Grammar School, Ososo, Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke. All in the Akoko-Edo local government area.
The state said, “This decision has been taken by Governor Monday Okpebholo as part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, particularly students, teachers, and school personnel.
“Consequently, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are suspended with immediate effect, pending further directives from the government.
“However, students currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be allowed access to their examination centres under strict security arrangements coordinated by school authorities, security agencies, and community leaders.
“Principals of the affected schools are directed to: Ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians. Secure all school facilities, equipment, and property throughout the closure period. Maintain regular communication with the Edo State Government, the Chief Inspector of Education, and relevant security agencies. Strictly comply with any additional directives issued by the government.”
The statement urged parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities “to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts are intensified to maintain peace and ensure public safety.
“The Edo State Government assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and restore normal academic activities as soon as conditions permit.”
