Kidnap Scare Rocks Edo as Government Closes Schools Over Mass Abduction Threat

By Arit Mbeh

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned mass abduction of school children by suspected bandits operating within the state.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s order comes a day after he accused opposition of sponsorship terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. He made the accusation while warning those he accused of sponsoring insecurity in the country to distract President Tinubu to desist and allow the president to focus on governance on Tuesday in Benin.

He spoke at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign for Local Government Council elections in the Edo South Senatorial District.

He said insecurity had suddenly increased in the country, alleging that it had been orchestrated to tarnish the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern.

“So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said

According to a security advisory issued by the Department of State Services and forwarded to relevant security agencies, intelligence reports indicated that suspected bandits were plotting to target schools, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District, after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly failed to yield substantial financial rewards.

The security report revealed that the plot was uncovered through an intercepted conversation between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa (surname unknown), believed to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State, and Nuhu (surname unknown).

During the conversation, the suspects allegedly discussed plans to abduct school children, believing such an operation would attract significant government attention and increase the likelihood of securing large ransom payments and other concessions.

The memo further disclosed that on June 4, 2026, security operatives apprehended a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, who was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke Community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

In response to the intelligence, security authorities advised the deployment of additional security measures around schools and educational institutions across vulnerable areas.

Recommended measures include increased patrols, enhanced surveillance, and the engagement of local vigilantes and hunters to support conventional security agencies.

Acting swiftly on the security advice, Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the temporary closure of the schools identified as being most vulnerable to the threat.

In a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the government announced the immediate closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke.

The Ministry stated that the decision followed credible intelligence reports and security advisories concerning threats to the safety of students, staff and surrounding communities in parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry,” the circular stated.

However, the government clarified that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be permitted to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements coordinated by security agencies and community stakeholders.

School principals have been directed to ensure the safe release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities during the closure period, maintain communication with education authorities and security agencies, and comply with any further directives from the government.

The Ministry also appealed to parents, guardians and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to safeguard lives and restore normal academic activities as soon as possible.

Security agencies are said to be intensifying surveillance and preventive operations across vulnerable communities in Edo North as part of broader efforts to thwart the suspected kidnapping plot.

However, additional reports confirmed that the state government is also compiling list of schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area that may be on the list of terrorists they are intending to attack. The presence of Fulani herdsmen in some wards in Ovia North East has remained a nightmare in Okokuo, Odighi, Obarenren and other communities.

Earlier this year, Kidnappers abducted 18 passengers along the Benin-Akure highway, near Obarenren village. The kidnappers were said to have fired sporadically before taking their victims into the bush.

Despite plea from the communities that are under threat, help has remained illusive.