Edo Closes Three Schools Over Kidnap Threat

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 kidnap attack targeting students in the area.

The decision, authorities said, was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers and other school personnel amid growing security concerns in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.

The affected schools have been directed to suspend academic activities pending further security assessments and the implementation of additional safety measures.

Government officials assured parents and guardians that the temporary closure was necessary to forestall any security breach and guarantee the safety of learners and staff.

The action followed a security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning of a possible mass abduction of schoolchildren by suspected bandits.

The advisory, dated June 5, 2026, indicated that intelligence available to the DSS pointed to plans by criminal elements to target schools in Edo North after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly failed to yield the expected financial returns.

According to the agency, an intercepted conversation between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu revealed discussions about abducting schoolchildren to attract wider government attention and increase the chances of obtaining large ransom payments.

“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 advisory stated.

The DSS further disclosed that a suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, was arrested on June 4 while allegedly carrying out surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The agency urged security operatives and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security around schools, especially in vulnerable communities across Edo North.

A security source who confirmed the advisory described it as a routine intelligence communication among security agencies but acknowledged that the threat assessment contained in the document was genuine.

“It is a routine security advisory from the Service. Don’t know how it leaked. But it is true,” the source said.

Meanwhile, security agencies have heightened surveillance across the affected areas and are working to investigate the reported threat while taking steps to prevent any attack on educational institutions.

The state government also called on residents to remain calm but vigilant and to support security efforts by providing credible information that could help forestall criminal activities.

The closure comes amid renewed concerns over attacks on schools in parts of the country, where criminal gangs have increasingly targeted students for ransom, prompting authorities to strengthen protective measures around educational facilities.