Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of a planned terrorist plot to abduct students.
The directive, issued late Wednesday night by the state's Ministry of Education, takes effect from Thursday, June 11, 2026. It applies to all public and private primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions within the state.
DSS Intelligence Report
According to multiple sources within the security architecture, the DSS sent a classified memo to the Edo State Government detailing intelligence that a terrorist cell, believed to be linked to kidnapping networks operating in the North-Central and South-South regions, had infiltrated parts of the state with the specific aim of targeting schools.
"The objective is mass abductions of students for ransom, similar to the devastating school kidnappings seen in the Northwest and Northcentral zones over the past several years," a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed.
While the DSS has not publicly released the full text of the alert, government insiders say the intelligence was deemed credible and time-sensitive, prompting the sweeping closure.
Edo Government's Statement
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, confirmed the development in a brief press release early Thursday morning.
"Following a formal security briefing from the Department of State Services regarding credible threats of terrorist attacks targeting schools and students within Edo State, the government has taken the proactive decision to shut down all educational institutions effective immediately," the statement read.
"This is a precautionary measure. The safety and security of every child and teacher in Edo State remain the government's top priority. We will advise the public when schools are safe to reopen."
The government did not specify a reopening date, stating only that schools would remain closed until a "comprehensive security audit" of all facilities is completed and threat levels subside.
Parents' Reactions
The news has sparked panic and anxiety among parents and guardians across Benin City and other urban centers. Many rushed to schools early Thursday morning to pick up boarding students, while others scrambled to make alternative arrangements for their children.
"My child is in JSS 2 in a boarding school in Benin. I got the news at midnight and couldn't sleep. I am on my way now to bring him home," said Mrs. Grace Okonkwo, a mother of three. "If the DSS says there is a plot, we cannot take chances."
However, some parents expressed frustration over the abrupt closure, citing disruptions to the academic calendar and the burden of sudden childcare responsibilities.
Opposition and Civil Society Reactions
The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) welcomed the government's swift action but called for long-term solutions.
"A shutdown is not sustainable. We need permanent security measures — police posts at schools, fencing, CCTV, and emergency response protocols," said Comrade Monday Oshioba, NUT Edo State chairman.
Human rights lawyer and education advocate, Mr. Femi Adebayo, urged the government not to allow the closure to become an indefinite lockdown. "The terrorists win if we keep children out of school indefinitely. The state must deploy the security apparatus to protect schools, not just shut them down."
Political Angle
The security alert comes barely weeks after the Edo State governorship election petition rulings and ongoing political realignments. Some political observers have questioned the timing of the threat, but security analysts insist that school kidnappings are a persistent national challenge, not a localized political stunt.
What Happens Next
The Edo State Government has announced that security agencies will conduct a "school-by-school risk assessment" over the next 48 to 72 hours. The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the DSS are reportedly deploying joint patrols around educational zones.
Parents are advised to keep their children at home, avoid large gatherings, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security post.
The state government promised to issue further updates by Monday, June 15, regarding the potential resumption of academic activities.
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This is a breaking news story. Details will be updated as more information becomes available from security sources and the Edo State Government.
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