Fear gripped Edo State on Wednesday as the state government ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following a security alert warning of a planned mass abduction of students.
The drastic action came after intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly uncovered a plot by armed criminals to kidnap schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.
Security sources described the threat as credible, prompting authorities and security agencies to move swiftly to prevent what could have turned into another major kidnapping tragedy.
Although government officials declined to reveal the identities of the affected schools, authorities confirmed that the institutions have been shut indefinitely while security surveillance and operations are intensified across Akoko-Edo and neighbouring communities.
A senior government official said the decision was taken solely to protect lives.
“The closure is a precautionary measure to safeguard students, teachers and school personnel while security agencies work to neutralise the threat,” the official explained.
The latest scare has heightened fears among residents already battling rising insecurity in Edo North, especially in Etsako East Local Government Area, where kidnappings and violent attacks have become frequent occurrences.
The development comes amid growing public concern over worsening security challenges in communities such as Agenebode, Okpekpe, Itsukwi, Imiakebu and Okpella, where residents have repeatedly reported abductions, killings and multi-million naira ransom demands.
Many farmers have reportedly abandoned their farmlands for fear of being attacked, worsening hardship and food shortages in affected communities.
An elderly farmer from Itsukwi lamented the situation, saying residents now live in constant fear.
“We can no longer go to our farms freely. We sleep with one eye open because nobody knows who will be the next victim,” he said.
The security concerns were further amplified by the recent abduction of 80-year-old Michael Arekhayemhe from his residence in Itsukwi alongside a mother of five from a neighbouring compound.
Despite the payment of an alleged ₦11 million ransom, the elderly man was reportedly killed by his captors.
The woman and several other victims were later released in Obajana, Kogi State, after spending 24 days in captivity.
Meanwhile, parents and residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant as security patrols have been intensified around schools, highways and vulnerable rural communities.
Authorities said schools will only reopen after security agencies certify the environment safe for students and staff.
The latest shutdown has once again exposed the deepening security crisis in parts of Edo North, with many residents insisting that stronger action is needed to stop criminal gangs from terrorising communities and disrupting education.
