The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after receiving security intelligence warning of a possible kidnap plot targeting students.

The decision followed reports from security agencies indicating that suspected bandits may be planning attacks on schools within the Edo North Senatorial District, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to protect students and staff.

Schools Affected by the Closure

According to a circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the affected schools are:

Ososo Grammar School, Ososo
Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo
Makeke Secondary School, Makeke

The directive, dated June 9, ordered the suspension of all academic and non-academic activities in the schools until further notice.

DSS Intelligence Raises Security Concerns

The closure followed a security report reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out mass abductions of schoolchildren in parts of Edo North.

According to the intelligence memo, security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected criminals who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial rewards.

The report suggested that the suspects believed targeting students could attract greater public attention and increase the likelihood of receiving large ransom payments or other concessions.

Suspect Arrested Near School

Security concerns intensified after the reported arrest of a 25-year-old suspect on June 4.

According to the intelligence document, the suspect was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School before his arrest, raising fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

The development prompted security agencies to recommend immediate preventive measures across vulnerable communities and educational institutions.

Enhanced Security Measures Recommended

In response to the threat, security officials advised authorities to strengthen protection around schools, particularly within Edo North Senatorial District.

Recommendations included:

Deployment of additional security personnel
Increased patrols and surveillance operations
Improved collaboration among security agencies
Engagement of local vigilante groups and hunters
Enhanced intelligence gathering within affected communities
Government Explains Decision

Explaining the closure, Permanent Secretary Enodolomwanyi Otamere said the government acted based on security advisories received from relevant agencies regarding threats to students, teachers, and surrounding communities.

He noted that the temporary shutdown was necessary to safeguard lives and prevent any potential security breach.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area,” the statement said.

WASSCE Candidates Exempted

Despite the closure, students currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will still be allowed to sit for their examinations.

The ministry stated that examination candidates would have access to designated centres under strict security arrangements coordinated by security agencies and community stakeholders.

Parents Urged to Remain Calm

School administrators have been directed to ensure the safe release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities, and maintain communication with relevant authorities.

The government also appealed to residents and parents to remain calm while security agencies work to address the threat and restore normal academic activities.

Authorities reassured the public that proactive measures are being implemented to prevent any security breach and protect students across the affected communities.

Israel Claims Major Military Operation Severely Damaged Iran’s Strategic Defense Systems

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the execution of a large-scale military operation targeting Iran’s strategic defense infrastructure, claiming the strikes significantly weakened Tehran’s efforts to restore critical military capabilities.

According to a statement published by the IDF on its official X account on Monday, Israeli forces struck and destroyed defense systems that had been deployed across various parts of Iran in recent months. The military said the targeted assets were intended to rebuild capabilities that had been degraded during previous confrontations.

IDF Says Operation Targeted Rebuilding Efforts

The Israeli military described the operation as a massive strike against what it referred to as the Iranian regime’s strategic defense network.

According to the statement, the targeted systems had been installed as part of Iran’s broader efforts to strengthen and restore its air defense architecture following losses sustained during what the IDF called Operation Roaring Lion.

Israeli officials claimed the strikes successfully dismantled those systems, limiting Iran’s ability to regenerate military capabilities that had been weakened in earlier engagements.

Limited Details Released

While the IDF highlighted the scale and significance of the operation, it did not disclose specific locations where the strikes occurred or provide detailed information about the defense systems that were allegedly destroyed.

As a result, the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

The Israeli military also did not indicate whether the operation involved airstrikes, missile attacks, or other military assets.

Growing Israel-Iran Tensions

The announcement marks the latest development in the long-running confrontation between Israel and Iran, a rivalry that has increasingly extended beyond diplomatic disputes into military and security domains.

Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of expanding its military influence across the Middle East and providing support to armed groups it considers hostile to its security interests.

The latest claims come amid heightened regional tensions, with both countries continuing to exchange accusations and demonstrate military readiness.

Awaiting Iran’s Response

At the time of reporting, Iranian authorities had not issued an official response to the Israeli military’s claims.

The statements released by the IDF could not be independently verified, and no confirmation regarding the reported damage has been provided by Iranian officials.

As regional observers monitor developments, attention remains focused on whether the latest operation could trigger further escalation between the two longstanding adversaries.

Lagos School Panic as Banditry Prank Triggers Stampede in Ojokoro

A moment of confusion and fear gripped a school in the Ojokoro area of Lagos State on Wednesday morning after a banditry awareness exercise was mistaken for a real kidnapping incident, triggering panic among students, teachers, and nearby residents.

The incident occurred at Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College on Tigbetigbe Street, during a routine National Awareness Day programme observed weekly across public schools in Lagos State.

Awareness Lesson Turns Into Chaos

According to eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated when a teacher arrived for the awareness session, which focused on banditry and security awareness. As he stepped out of his vehicle and approached the assembly ground, students reportedly mistook him for an actual bandit.

Panic spread almost immediately, with students fleeing in different directions as shouts of “Bandits! Bandits!” echoed across the school environment.

The situation quickly escalated as students from nearby schools within the same complex also joined in the stampede after hearing the commotion. Some teachers reportedly ran for safety as fear spread rapidly across the entire school compound.

Parents Rush to School Amid False Alarm

The panic did not remain confined to the school premises. Alarmed parents and guardians rushed to the school complex after hearing reports of a possible attack, believing that students and staff were under threat.

One eyewitness described seeing students running frantically through nearby streets, while initial reports circulating within the community suggested a possible bandit invasion.

Another resident said the confusion quickly spread to surrounding areas, with people attempting to verify what was happening as fear escalated.

Incident Confirmed as Misinterpreted Drama Exercise

A school principal, who spoke on condition of anonymity, later clarified that the chaos was triggered by a dramatized attempt to educate students on banditry during the awareness programme.

The exercise, intended to raise awareness about security threats, was misunderstood by students, leading to widespread panic and evacuation-like behaviour.

Community Reaction and Concerns

Residents of the Ojokoro area, including Joshua Ekong who lives near the school, confirmed that the incident caused significant confusion in the neighbourhood.

While no injuries were reported, the event has sparked discussions about how security awareness programmes are conducted in schools and the need for clearer communication to prevent panic during such exercises.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.