The Edo State Government has reportedly ordered the reopening of three schools shut earlier this week following a bandit kidnapping scare.
TheCable, citing a June 12 government statement reported that the state had approved the reopening of the schools following improved security measures.
On Wednesday, the Edo State Ministry of Education ordered the closure of three secondary schools in Akoko Edo LGA.
The order, signed by the Permanent Secretary of Education Enodolomwanyi Otamere, identified Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School as potential targets.
This followed a leaked intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) of a possible mass abduction of students in the area. The report emerged after the security agent intercepted conversations between two bandits planning the attack. The schools’ closure led the state to organize special security measures for the students to continue their WASSCE.
However, the state has now ordered the reopening of the schools following the introduction of improved security measures.
Otamere stated that the government has facilitated adequate security measures to guarantee the safety of students, teachers, and other school personnel.
“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, the government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners, teachers, and other school personnel,” the statement reads.
Despite this, the Permanent Secretary urged school heads to work closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials.
