Edo Government reopens schools in Akoko-Edo after security review following abduction threat, assuring safety of students and staff
The Edo State Government, on Friday, June 12, 2026, approved the reopening of schools earlier shut in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a suspected plan to abduct students in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.
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The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, announced the decision in a circular issued in Benin City, confirming that academic activities would resume in the affected schools from Monday, June 15, 2026.
The schools earlier shut include Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, which were temporarily closed after a security memo from the Department of State Services raised concerns over a possible coordinated attack by suspected bandits.
The DSS intelligence report reportedly indicated intercepted communications suggesting plans to target schoolchildren, while a suspect was said to have been apprehended during surveillance operations around Makeke Secondary School.
Following the alert, the state government had suspended academic activities in the schools as a precautionary measure, while candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination were placed under special security arrangements.
Otamere stated that the decision to reopen the schools followed a comprehensive security review conducted by relevant security agencies and stakeholders, which confirmed improved safety conditions in the affected communities.
According to him, enhanced security deployments and additional protective measures had been put in place to safeguard students, teachers and other school personnel.
He assured that the government was satisfied with the level of preparedness and coordination among security agencies, stating that risks had been significantly reduced.
“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners, teachers, and other school personnel,” he said.
Otamere directed school heads, proprietors and education authorities to ensure a smooth resumption process, while maintaining collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.
He also urged parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to return to school, assuring them that adequate security measures had been sustained.
“The Government remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely,” he added.
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With the latest directive, normal academic activities are expected to resume in the affected schools as authorities maintain surveillance to prevent any resurgence of threats.
