Edo Govt Orders Akoko Edo Schools to Resume Monday
The Edo State Government has directed three schools closed over security concerns to reopen on Monday, June 15, 2026, citing improved safety conditions following a fresh review by security agencies.
The directive was contained in a circular issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
Governor Monday Okpebolo had on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, all in Akoko Edo in Edo North, after the Department of State Security raised an alert over a plan by bandits to attack some schools in the state. The closure followed security intelligence over an alleged planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in the Edo North senatorial district.
According to the latest circular, the decision to reopen the schools followed a comprehensive review of the security situation by the state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders. The government said enhanced security measures had been implemented and additional safety mechanisms deployed across the affected communities and schools to guarantee the safety of learners, teachers and other school personnel.
“The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel and the schools should be re-opened on Monday June 15,” the circular stated.
It added: “Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier closure order have been directed to resume normal academic and administrative activities from June 15. School heads, proprietors and education authorities were instructed to make adequate preparations for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a secure learning environment.”
The closure had been linked to a June 5 advisory from the DSS to the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The DSS said it received intelligence of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren, particularly in Edo North, by bandits, reportedly following the interception of communication between suspected kidnappers. An earlier security document also referenced the June 4 arrest of one Emmanuel Momidu, 25, who was apprehended while allegedly surveying Makeke Secondary School in Makeke Community.
When the closure was announced, the government had stressed that students sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination would still be allowed access to their centres under strict security arrangements coordinated by school authorities, security agencies and community leaders.
The state government reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been deployed across schools, and pledged to continue monitoring developments to protect lives, property and the education sector. It also urged parents and guardians to ensure their children and wards return to school promptly.
The circular, which takes effect from Monday, June 15, called for wide publicity and strict compliance by all concerned stakeholders.