Ikpea Commends Okpebholo for Proactively Closing School to Protect Students

Senator Joseph Ikpea, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for closing several secondary schools in Edo State after the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a red alert about a planned attack by bandits on schools in the state.

Ikpea said the governor’s decision to shut down schools that were identified as vulnerable demonstrated “uncommon leadership” and a clear understanding of the fundamental principle of governance that prioritises the wellbeing of the people.

Speaking from Benin, the Edo State capital, the senator noted that, given the country’s security situation, the governor should not have treated the DSS alert lightly.

“I want to commend His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, for the prompt decision he took yesterday to close three secondary schools in the Akoko Edo area following the security alert raised by the Department of State Services that some undesirable elements were planning to attack schools in Edo North Senatorial District with the aim of kidnapping our children,” Ikpea said.

“The governor’s swift action shows his good and uncommon leadership and his understanding of the principle that the government must always seek the wellbeing of the people,” he added.

Ikpea acknowledged that closing the schools at this time was inconvenient, especially as students nationwide are preparing for national or sub‑continental examinations, but argued that the decision was preferable to waiting for an attack to occur.

The senator also urged Nigerians, particularly his constituents in Edo Central, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies and authorities.

“It is important at this juncture to call on Nigerians to be more vigilant. Security is no longer solely the government’s responsibility; all citizens must participate and treat it as part of their civic duties,” he said.

He added that the alert issued by the DSS did not specifically mention Edo Central, but warned that the bandits would not discriminate based on tribe or region. “Our people must be aware of their surroundings, recognize unfamiliar faces, and report any odd activity to security agents and the relevant authorities. We should not wait until it happens before we act,” he counselled.

Ikpea praised the DSS and other security agencies for their cooperation with the governor’s administration in keeping Edo State safe, and pledged his continued support for any initiatives aimed at eliminating undesirable elements from the state.

A leaked memo from the state DSS command, addressed to the state commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), revealed that intelligence had uncovered a plan to abduct students from public schools in Edo North Senatorial District. The document also stated that a communication between two suspects was intercepted, and that an individual had been arrested while allegedly on a surveillance mission at one of the schools.