The Edo State Government has directed the reopening of schools that were temporarily shut following security concerns in parts of the state, assuring parents and stakeholders that adequate measures have been put in place to safeguard students and staff.
The affected schools, including Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, were ordered to close earlier in the week after a security alert warned of a possible attack by bandits targeting schools in the area.
Announcing the decision to reopen the schools, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, stated that the government arrived at the decision after a thorough review of the security situation in collaboration with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
According to the state government, enhanced security arrangements and additional protective measures have been deployed across the affected communities and schools to ensure the safety of learners, teachers and non-teaching staff.
The government expressed confidence that the necessary precautions have been taken to guarantee a secure learning environment and directed all affected public and private schools to resume normal academic and administrative activities from Monday, June 15.
School administrators, proprietors and education authorities have also been instructed to make adequate preparations for the return of students and staff while maintaining close cooperation with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain safety within and around school premises.
The state government further reassured parents and guardians that it remains committed to protecting lives, property and the education sector, adding that security developments would continue to be closely monitored.
Parents were urged to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities without further disruption.
The schools were initially closed following intelligence reports from the Department of State Services indicating a planned mass abduction of students in parts of the state. The latest development is expected to bring relief to parents, students and educators who had expressed concerns over the temporary disruption of academic activities.