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By Oscar Okhifo
The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following an intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of a planned abduction of students.
The closure, announced on Wednesday, followed security intelligence indicating that armed criminals were allegedly plotting a mass kidnapping targeting schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District, prompting authorities to take preventive action.
Security sources described the threat as credible, saying security agencies moved swiftly to avert what could have been a major security breach in the area.
Although the identities of the affected schools were not disclosed, officials confirmed that the institutions had been shut indefinitely while surveillance and security operations are intensified across Akoko-Edo and neighbouring communities.
A government official familiar with the development said the action was taken in the interest of public safety.
“The closure is purely a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the lives of students and teachers while security agencies neutralise the threat,” the official said.
The development comes amid growing anxiety over the deteriorating security situation across Edo North, particularly in Etsako East Local Government Area, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over rampant kidnappings and bandit attacks.
Governor Monday Okpebholo recently drew criticism following remarks attributed to him in which he said, “Even if you kidnap all of us, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”
The comment sparked widespread debate, with many residents insisting that greater attention should be devoted to addressing insecurity across the state.
Communities including Agenebode and other communities in Weppa/Wanna clans, Okpekpe, Itsukwi, Imiakebu and Okpella have recorded repeated cases of abduction, killings and ransom demands amounting to millions of naira.
Many locals have abandoned their farms for fear of attacks, worsening economic hardship and food insecurity in the affected communities, Especially in north Ivie.
An elderly farmer from itsukwi community recently lamented the situation, saying; “We now live in constant fear.
Our people can no longer go to their farms freely. We sleep with one eye open because nobody knows who will be the next victim,” he said.
Just last month, 80-year-old Michael Arekhayemhe was abducted from his residence in Itsukwi alongside a mother of 5 from a neighbouring compound.
Despite the payment of ₦11 million ransom for the abducted, the elderly man was killed by his captors.
The lady and others, kidnapped from other places were released in far away Obajana in kogi state after she spent twenty-four days in captivity.
Parents and residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant as security patrols have been stepped up around schools, major roads and rural communities in the affected areas.
Authorities say academic activities will resume only after security agencies certify the environment safe for students and staff.
Observers say the latest school closures underscore the urgent need for stronger security measures, warning that while shutting schools may avert immediate danger, it is not a substitute for confronting the criminal groups that continue to terrorise communities across Edo North.