BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Senator Joseph Ikpea has praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for swiftly closing several secondary schools after the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a red alert about a planned bandit attack.
Ikpea, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, said the governor’s decision showed “uncommon leadership” and a commitment to protecting lives. “The presence of undesirable elements planning to kidnap our children demanded urgent action. Governor Okpebholo acted promptly, and that is what leadership is about,” Ikpea said in a statement.
The senator acknowledged that the closures disrupted ongoing national examinations but insisted the move was necessary. “It is just ideal that the governor closed the schools instead of waiting for the evil act to be perpetrated,” he added. Ikpea urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, stressing that security is no longer the exclusive responsibility of government.
The DSS had earlier intercepted communications between suspects plotting to abduct students in Edo North. One suspect was arrested after being spotted conducting surveillance at a public school.
This development comes against the backdrop of recent kidnappings in Oyo State, where armed men abducted students and teachers from a rural school in 2024, sparking national outrage. That incident highlighted the vulnerability of schools in remote areas and pushed authorities to strengthen security measures nationwide.
Reactions have poured in across social media. One user wrote: “Closing schools is painful, but better than mourning children. Safety first.” Another said: “We need long-term solutions, not just shutdowns. Bandits are testing our resolve.”
Policy makers also weighed in. A senior official in the Ministry of Education noted: “The governor’s decision was tough but necessary. We must now invest in securing schools so learning is not constantly disrupted.”
Social commentators stressed the broader implications. Security analyst Dr. Ibrahim Musa said: “This incident shows how fragile school safety remains in Nigeria. The Oyo kidnappings should have been a turning point, yet bandits still see schools as soft targets.”
Stakeholders in education expressed concern about the impact on students. A representative of the National Parents Teachers Association said: “We support the governor’s action, but children must not be denied education because of insecurity. Government must provide armed protection for schools.”
Residents in Edo echoed mixed feelings. A teacher in Akoko Edo remarked: “We are relieved the schools were closed before anything happened, but our students are anxious. They want to write their exams without fear.”
Governor Okpebholo has assured that security agencies are working closely with his administration to keep Edo safe. Senator Ikpea pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
