Edo State closes three schools over alleged abduction plot

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools following a leaked intelligence report warning of a planned mass abduction of students. The directive, issued on June 9, affects Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School, all located in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The action was prompted by a confidential memo from the Department of State Services dated June 5, which warned that suspected bandits were plotting to target schools, particularly in the Edo North Senatorial District. According to the intelligence, intercepted communications between two suspects revealed a shift in tactics. After previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals allegedly failed to generate sufficient ransom, the suspects reportedly concluded that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase the likelihood of substantial payments.

The threat was underscored by the reported arrest of a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Momidu, on June 4. He was apprehended while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, one of the institutions now closed.