The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports indicating credible security threats to students, teachers, and surrounding communities.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke, according to a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education on June 9, 2026.
The directive, signed by the Functional Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, said the decision was based on security advisories received from relevant agencies warning of potential threats in parts of the local government area.
According to the circular, referenced MOE/PS/CIR/001, the government approved the temporary closure of the schools as part of proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” the statement said.
It added that, in line with the government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring public safety, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended with immediate effect and will remain so until further notice.
The ministry, however, clarified that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be permitted to continue writing their examinations despite the closure.
According to the directive, special arrangements involving security agencies and community stakeholders will be put in place to guarantee safe access to examination centres and ensure adequate supervision throughout the examination period.
“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” the circular stated.
To facilitate the closure, principals of the affected schools were directed to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure all school facilities and property, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.
School administrators were also instructed to comply fully with any further directives that may be issued by the government as developments unfold.
The ministry urged parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that efforts were being intensified to restore normalcy and guarantee the safety of citizens.
“Parents, guardians, and members of the affected communities are advised to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies as efforts are being intensified to guarantee the safety of all citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as practicable,” the statement added.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific nature of the threats, but officials insist the precautionary measure is necessary to prevent any breach of security while investigations and security operations continue.
The affected schools will remain shut pending further assessment of the security situation and subsequent directives from the state government.
