The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnapping attack targeting students.
Authorities said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard students, teachers, and other school personnel amid growing security concerns in the area.
The affected schools have been directed to suspend academic activities pending further security assessments and the implementation of additional safety measures.
Government officials reassured parents and guardians that the temporary closure was necessary to prevent any security breach and ensure the safety of students.
Security agencies have reportedly been placed on alert and are working to investigate the threat while strengthening surveillance across vulnerable communities.
The state government urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.
This came after the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren by suspected bandits in Edo State.
The alert was contained in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo State commandant of the NSCDC with reference number S.66/A/3972.
A security source who confirmed the release to the press, however, described the letter as a routine security advisory.
“It is a routine security advisory from the Service. Don’t know how it leaked. But it is true, sir,” the source said.
In the advisory signed by B. Agada for the state director of the DSS, the agency said intelligence available to it indicated plans by suspected bandits to target schoolchildren in the state.
“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicates plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the state, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District,” the statement reads.
“This follows an intercept between suspected bandits, one BAWA (FNU), suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State and one NUHU (FNU).
“During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to kidnap school children in Edo North Senatorial District, as previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals had not yielded the expected financial gains.
“To this end, they concluded that abducting school children would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions.”
The DSS added that on June 4, 2026, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Momidu was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko-Edo LGA.
The agency advised the NSCDC and other stakeholders to strengthen security around schools, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
Chronicle NG reports that the situation occurs against rising public concern over increasing bandit attacks on schools in several parts of the country.
On May 15, armed bandits reportedly attacked three schools along the Oriire axis in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers. During the raid, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed, and days later one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly beheaded by the abductors, sparking nationwide condemnation.
On May 16, suspected Boko Haram fighters also stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State, taking away about 42 pupils and students.
