Reactions to School Closures in Edo Over Kidnap Threat

Mixed feelings have followed the Edo State Government's decision to shut down three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. This was done because of a warning about a possible kidnap attempt on schoolchildren.

The government announced the closure after the State Security Service alerted them about a plot to abduct students. The schools affected are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin, Aighomwanhi Idubor, who is the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Edo, said the closure was necessary to protect lives.

“Life is precious. If there is security information that challenges the coexistence of teachers and students and such action is taken, it is in the interest of everyone,” he stated.

He explained that ignoring security alerts could result in serious consequences if an attack or abduction happened.

“If there is a kidnapping, what will happen? We will start running up and down. So it is better to quickly handle it at that level and also make government responsive to security challenges in the school system,” he added.

Mr Idubor supported the closure but said authorities should not focus only on these three schools. He urged security agencies to send enough resources to protect schools across Edo. He pointed out that criminals might target other schools if they see an opening.

“Security personnel now have information at their disposal and should put all the machinery in place to ensure safety of lives and property, especially the safety of our children,” he said.

He also mentioned that closing schools is not the final solution.

“It is not enough to say you have closed the schools. What are you putting in place to ensure that these children are safe and still continue with their academic work, which is very important,” he said.

Mr Idubor called on the government, the Ministry of Education, and security agencies to find ways for students to continue their studies and exams without putting their safety at risk.

“We should be looking beyond the three schools. What happens to the others? Are we sure those behind the threats will not target other schools?” he asked.

On the other hand, Lucky Imarouagheru, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Edo, raised concerns about how long the closure would last and how it might affect students' education.

“Our children are supposed to be in school. Instead of simply closing the schools, efforts should be intensified to beef up security around them,” he said.

He acknowledged that the government and security agencies were already working together with the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups to address the situation.

“They have called on the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police and vigilantes to see how they can strengthen security so that the schools can be reopened in no distant time,” he said.