Edo Government Postpones School Resumption in Edo Central Over Security Concerns

Edo Government Postpones School Resumption in Edo Central Over Security Concern

The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has postponed the resumption date for all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District following recent violent incidents in parts of the zone.

The postponement was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who said the decision was taken to allow the government address pressing security concerns and safeguard the welfare of pupils.

In a statement, Iyamu explained that the suspension of resumption would remain in force until further notice.

“The postponement is till further notice to enable the state to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils. The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course,” he said.

He urged parents, guardians and other education stakeholders in Edo Central Senatorial District to take note of the development and comply accordingly.

The decision follows heightened tension in the district after a crisis erupted on Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The unrest reportedly began as a peaceful protest against rising insecurity, including cases of kidnapping and the killing of a youth on Friday night.

Protesters had blocked a major highway to draw attention to their grievances, but the situation later escalated when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the demonstration. Traders at the Ekpoma livestock market were attacked, with eyewitnesses reporting that goats were slaughtered and cows beaten. Videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media.

The attackers were also said to have vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act that drew strong condemnation from Governor Okpebholo.

Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest, adding that the matter had been referred to military authorities for further investigation.

The violence caused panic in the area, forcing residents and traders to flee, before security agencies were deployed to restore calm.

As tension continues to linger in affected communities, the state government said the suspension of school resumption is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of students, teachers and school administrators.