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Okpebholo orders closure of schools in Edo over abduction fears hours after defending Tinubu on insecurity
The public schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The State Ministry of Education disclosed this in a circular dated June 9, 2026, and made it available to newsmen in Benin City.
The statement said the closure of the schools followed the security alarm raised by the State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged mass abduction of schoolchildren in the Edo North senatorial district.
The statement signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.
The ministry, however, 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.
It said the candidates should be supervised as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.
According to the statement, 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.
“Consequently, and in line with the Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect
“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry.
“However, candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders”, it added.
The ministry also directed the affected principals of the schools to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.
It further ordered the principals to secure all school facilities and property during the period of closure as well as maintain close communication with the Ministry, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.
It urged the principals to comply strictly with any further directives that may be issued by the State Government.
The State Government, however, advised parents, guardians, and members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies.
It added that efforts are being intensified to guarantee the safety of all citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as practicable.
The schools closure came hours the state Governor Monday Okpebholo blamed opposition politicians for rising insecurity in Nigeria. He alleged that they kidnap Nigerians to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us. Yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is in the hands of the opposition. They have failed. Have they not failed?
“Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So, let them give us peace so that the president and other elected officials can govern effectively,” Okpebholo said.
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