Edo suspends school resumption in Central Senatorial District

The Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools across Edo Central Senatorial District until further notice.

The decision follows recent security challenges in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, prompting Governor Monday Okpebholo and top security officials to relocate temporarily to the town to restore calm and address the situation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, explained that the postponement was necessary to address pressing issues and improve the welfare and safety of pupils and students in the district. He added that a new resumption date would be announced in due course.

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

Investigations indicate that the decision may be linked to the recent violent protests in Ekpoma over repeated cases of kidnapping in the area.

During the unrest, the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was reportedly vandalised, while several shops were looted.