Edo Shuts Schools after DSS Uncovers Kidnapping Plot Targeting Students

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Summary: The Edo State Government has ordered the closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after security intelligence warned of a planned abduction of students in Edo North Senatorial District.

The Edo State Government, on June 10, 2026, ordered the immediate closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned abduction targeting schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, all located in Akoko-Edo LGA.

The closure followed a security intelligence memo issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District. 

According to the intelligence report, security operatives intercepted communications suggesting that schoolchildren could be targeted after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected ransom payments. 

The report also stated that a suspect was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance near one of the affected schools.

In a directive issued through the Ministry of Education, the state government said academic and non-academic activities in the three schools have been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.

The government, however, said students currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be allowed access to their examination centres under security arrangements coordinated by relevant authorities.

Authorities urged parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to address the threat.

The latest threat in Edo comes less than a month after gunmen attacked Community High School in the Ahoro-Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting the school’s principal, teachers, and students. 

The principal of the school, Ms Rachael Alamu, had appealed to the federal and state governments, religious organisations, and members of the public to secure their release.