There is tension in Edo State following a leaked intelligence report from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the state.
In response to the report, Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered the immediate closure of all secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
According to Leadership, the directive was contained in a circular dated June 9 and signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education.
The confidential DSS memo, dated June 5 and addressed to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warned that suspected terrorists were planning attacks on schools, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
The intelligence report indicated that discussions between two suspected bandits, identified as Nuhu and Bawa, revealed plans to abduct schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly failed to generate the expected financial returns.
According to the memo, the suspects believed that targeting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase the likelihood of receiving substantial ransom payments.
Nigerians React
The leaked memo has generated reactions from Nigerians.
Obed Obaa said: “Look at how insecurity is spreading, and yet our agencies are still reactive. We’re in a big mess in this country. Please, y’all must stay as safe as you can.”
Kingsley questioned why the information became public: “Should this news be confirmed online? Isn’t it supposed to be privately disclosed to security agencies to mount guard?”
Kev called for urgent action: “This is an absolute red alert that requires zero delays. The Edo State Government and local security forces must lock down every school immediately. We cannot afford any lapses when it comes to protecting our children.”
Hustler urged parents to be cautious: “The best is to keep your child at home. It is better to stay with little knowledge than to be kidnapped to an unknown location. May God bring us a lasting solution to this problem our nation is facing.”
Related Development
In an earlier development, reports indicated that American forces, working alongside the Nigerian military, reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS leader, during an operation around the Lake Chad Basin. The operation was said to be one of two major anti-terror missions carried out within six months.
