Edo Lawmaker Backs Okpebholo Over Closure Of Schools On Security Alert

by MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

The senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for ordering the closure of some secondary schools in Edo State following intelligence reports of a planned attack on schools by suspected kidnappers.

In a statement made available to journalists in Benin City on Wednesday, Ikpea described the governor’s action as timely and proactive, saying the safety of students must take precedence over all other considerations.

He said Okpebholo demonstrated leadership by acting swiftly on the security advisory issued by the Department of State Services.

“I want to commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for the prompt decision to close three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo following a DSS alert that criminal elements were planning attacks on schools in Edo North with a view to kidnapping students,” he stated.

According to the lawmaker, although the closure may inconvenience students writing ongoing examinations, it was better to take preventive measures than risk the safety of children.

The lawmaker also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

“The issue of security has gone beyond being the responsibility of government alone. Citizens must also play their part by being alert and reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

He cautioned residents of Edo Central against seeing the threat as a problem exclusive to Edo North, noting that kidnappers could strike anywhere.

The senator further praised the DSS and other security agencies for working with the state government to maintain security and pledged support for efforts aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.

The commendation followed a leaked DSS note to the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning of an alleged plot by suspected kidnappers to abduct students in public schools across Edo North Senatorial District.

It will be recalled that the intelligence report reportedly indicated that communications between suspects discussing the operation had been intercepted and that one person had been arrested after allegedly conducting surveillance in one of the targeted schools.