– Benin, Edo State
The Department of State Services DSS issued a security alert regarding a suspected plot by criminals to kidnap schoolchildren in the North Edo Senate District. Information obtained from an intercepted conversation revealed that the suspects shifted their focus to students after failing in their attempt to kidnap wealthy individuals, believing this would elicit a faster government response and higher ransoms.
In response, the Edo State Government ordered the immediate temporary closure of three high schools in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area: Ososo High School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke High School. The directive, issued via a circular dated June 9, 2026, suspends all academic activities until further notice.
Authorities arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, on June 4, 2026, while he was allegedly surveilling Makeke High School. Since then, the government has stepped up security patrols and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near schools.
Students taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination can continue their papers under strict security measures. The State Security Service DSS alert is limited to Edo State and does not indicate a nationwide threat requiring school closures in other states.