The Edo state government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a kidnap threat.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
A circular to the affected schools, signed by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, explains that the decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies, of threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.
“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 the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said.
According to the circular, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools has been suspended until further notice as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
It says in spite of the closure, candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue to have access to examination centres under strict security arrangements.
“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,”.
It directs school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.
It urges parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts are being put in place to address the threat and restore normal academic activities.
Meanwhile,
The Edo state Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary schools, Comrade Aighomwanhi Idubor has commended the Edo state Government for shutting down the three schools at Akoko Edo, Local Government Area of the state
Which are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
Comrade Idubor said the decision which was a welcome development was necessary to protect the lives of Pupils of the affected schools due to Security reports .
He called on officials of the West Africa Examination Council, WAEC to put in place modalities to ensure that those writing the ongoing May/ June examination write under strict security surveillance to avert kidnapping of Pupils
Comrade Idubor further appealed to parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm as efforts are been put in place by the Government to restore normal academic activities.
By; Fortune Oyem, Benin City.
