Alleged plot to abduct schoolchildren: Edo govt reopens schools days after closure

Barely four days after the closure of three schools in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the Edo State Government has ordered their immediate reopening.

DAILY POST had on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, reported that the Edo State Ministry of Education ordered the temporary closure of three schools in the locality, namely Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, following security intelligence over an alleged planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in the Edo North senatorial district.

The circular signed by the functioning permanent secretary of the ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, directed that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) should be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.

However, four days after the directive, the permanent secretary, in another circular, ordered the reopening of the affected schools with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026.

Otamere said the reopening would follow the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools.

He said the Government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and other school personnel.

“Further to Circular Ref. No. MOE/PS/CIR/001 dated 9th June, 2026, on the temporary closure of some schools due to security concerns, the Edo State Government wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the security situation has been comprehensively reviewed in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other critical stakeholders.

“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, the Government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and other school personnel.

“Accordingly, approval has been granted for the reopening of all schools previously affected by the temporary closure directive. Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities with effect from Monday, 15th June, 2026.

“All school heads, proprietors, and relevant education authorities are hereby directed to make the necessary preparations for the safe resumption of students and staff.

“They are further advised to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and relevant Government officials to sustain a safe and conducive learning environment,” he said.

He said the government reassured parents, guardians, education stakeholders, and the general public that adequate security measures have been deployed across schools in the state. 

Otamere also reassured that the government remained fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely while taking all necessary steps to safeguard the education sector.

The permanent secretary, however, encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities.