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The Edo State Government has approved the reopening of schools previously shut in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following earlier security concerns.
The schools were closed on Wednesday after a security intelligence report by the Department of State Services (DSS) warned of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in the Edo North Senatorial District. Intelligence reports indicated that security operatives intercepted communications suggesting that students were being targeted. A suspect was also reportedly apprehended during surveillance activities around Makeke Secondary School.
The closure disrupted academic activities, forcing candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination to write their examinations under tight security arrangements.
However, in a follow-up circular issued on Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the state’s education ministry, Otamere, announced that the decision to reopen the affected schools was taken after a comprehensive review of the security situation by relevant agencies and stakeholders.
According to him, the government is satisfied that enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.
“All public and private schools affected by the earlier directive are to resume normal academic and administrative activities with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” the statement said.
The Permanent Secretary directed school heads, proprietors, and education authorities to make adequate arrangements for the safe return of students and staff. He also urged continued collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to sustain a safe learning environment.
He reassured parents and guardians that adequate security measures have been deployed, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The development comes amid rising concerns over increasing attacks on schools across Nigeria.
On May 15, at least 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted in the Oriire axis of Ogbomoso, where gunmen also killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist. Days later, a kidnapped teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed, sparking nationwide outrage.
In a separate incident on May 16, about 42 pupils were abducted by suspected Boko Haram militants at a school in Askira/Uba.
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