Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaEdo Closes Schools to Avert Mass Abduction After DSS Alert

The government of Edo State has ordered the temporary closure of three secondary schools in Akoko Edo Local Government Area following intelligence indicating a credible threat to students and staff.

A circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education, dated 9 June 2026, said the decision followed advisories from security agencies.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” the document stated.

It added: “Consequently, and in line with Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the following schools with immediate effect: i. Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; ii. Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and iii. Makeke Secondary School, Makeke.”

The move comes against the backdrop of a separate internal security memo warning of a planned mass abduction.

The correspondence, by the Department of State Services in Benin City and marked “SECRET”, was titled “PLANNED MASS ABDUCTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN EDO STATE BY SUSPECTED BANDITS”.

According to the memo, “Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicate plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.” It further noted that the suspected perpetrators believed targeting pupils would “attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions.”

The document also referenced a recent arrest, stating that “on 4th June, 2026, one Emmanuel MOMIDU (25yrs) was apprehended while he was perceived to be surveying Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community, Akoko Edo L.G.A.”

Security authorities advised heightened vigilance around schools, recommending “counter measures be emplaced around schools… to strengthen security around schools and other educational institutions,” including the deployment of personnel and “intensified security patrols in vulnerable areas to enhance surveillance.”

State officials have not announced when the affected schools will reopen, but emphasised that the measure is temporary and subject to ongoing security assessments.