Oscar Okhifo
The administration of Edo State has mandated the urgent shutdown of three high schools within the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after receiving information from the Department of State Services (DSS) indicating a potential kidnapping plot targeting pupils.
The shutdown, revealed on Wednesday, came after intelligence reports suggested that armed offenders were supposedly planning a large-scale abduction of students in the Edo North Senate Area, leading officials to implement precautionary measures.
Intelligence officials characterized the danger as genuine, noting that security organizations acted quickly to prevent what might have become a significant security incident in the region.
Even though the names of the impacted schools remained undisclosed, authorities verified that the establishments have been closed permanently as monitoring and safety measures are stepped up throughout Akoko-Edo and surrounding areas.
A government representative who has knowledge of the matter stated that the move was made for the sake of public security.
"The shutdown is solely a preventive action designed to safeguard the safety of students and staff as law enforcement deal with the danger," the official stated.
Amid increasing concerns about the worsening safety conditions in Edo North, especially within the Etsako East Local Government Area, locals have consistently expressed worries regarding widespread abductions and assaults by armed groups.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo recently faced backlash after comments were linked to him stating, "Even if you abduct all of us, there is no opening at Aso Rock."
The remark triggered extensive discussion, as numerous locals argued that more focus needs to be placed on tackling crime throughout the region.
Several groups such as Agenebode and others within the Weppa/Wanna tribes, along with Okpekpe, Itsukwi, Imiakebu, and Okpella, have experienced multiple instances of kidnapping, murders, and extortion requests reaching into the millions of naira.
Numerous residents have left their agricultural lands due to concerns over assaults, intensifying financial struggles and hunger within the impacted areas, particularly in northern Ivie.
A senior member of the Itsukwi community recently expressed concern over the current circumstances, stating, "We now reside in continuous anxiety. Our individuals are no longer able to reach their fields without hesitation. We rest with one eye alert since we have no idea who might become the next target," he mentioned.
Last month, 80-year-old Michael Arekhayemhe was taken from his home in Itsukwi together with a woman who is the mother of five from an adjacent area.
Even though a ransom of ₦11 million was paid for the kidnapped individual, the old man was still murdered by his abductors.
The woman and others who had been taken from different locations were freed in distant Obajana within Kogi State after she endured 24 days of imprisonment.
Authorities and local people have been advised to stay composed yet watchful with increased security checks taking place near educational institutions, main highways, and remote neighborhoods within the impacted regions.
Officials state that educational programs will restart solely following confirmation from law enforcement authorities that the surroundings are secure for pupils and employees.
Experts point out that recent school shutdowns highlight the critical importance of improved safety protocols, cautioning that closing educational institutions might prevent short-term threats but cannot replace addressing the gangs that still intimidate populations throughout Edo North.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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