Edo Orders School Shutdown After SSS Warns of Planned Mass Abduction of Schoolchildren
Authorities in Edo State have closed three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following a leaked intelligence report warning of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the state. The development has raised fresh concerns about child safeguarding and school safety in Edo State.
The directive followed a confidential memo from the State Security Service (SSS), dated 5 June and addressed to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The report warned that suspected bandits were planning to target schools in Edo North.
According to the intelligence document, intercepted communications suggested that two suspects were considering schoolchildren as targets after earlier kidnapping attempts failed to generate expected financial returns. The report said the shift raised serious risks for schools in vulnerable communities.
Following the alert, the Edo State Ministry of Education ordered the immediate shutdown of the affected schools. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect learners and staff from possible attacks.
The memo also revealed that a suspect was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko-Edo. Security agencies described the activity as part of a broader threat assessment around educational facilities.
Child safeguarding advocates say the situation highlights urgent gaps in safeguarding systems for learners in high-risk areas. They argue that repeated threats against schools demand stronger preventive measures, including improved security presence and early warning response systems.
Security officials confirmed the authenticity of the intelligence but expressed concern over its public circulation. They stressed that such reports are intended to support coordinated action among agencies, not public release.
Meanwhile, calls have intensified for stronger protection of schools and children, as insecurity continues to disrupt learning and expose children to heightened risk across parts of Edo State.
