Avi-Cenna International School and Grange School, both located in Lagos, have suspended physical academic activities following an explosion threat.
Avi-Cenna International School announced its closure in a letter signed by Paul Olubajo and addressed to parents and guardians. The management disclosed that it received an explosion threat via a text message.
According to the school, the police were immediately contacted and a special unit was deployed to the premises to assess the situation.
Despite assurances from the police that the environment was safe, Avi-Cenna said the school would remain closed for the day. The management apologised for the inconvenience, noting that “we continue to strive to ensure the safety of the school community”.
“We wish to inform you that we received a text message about a fire explosion threat,” the letter stated.
“The police authorities were immediately informed, and they deployed their special unit with their devices to the school. After a thorough assessment of the entire premises, they confirmed that the premises are safe. However, school will remain closed for today.
“We are sharing this update to keep you informed and will share further updates as they become available. Kindly bear with us as we continue to strive to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and parents.”
Similarly, Grange School announced that it would be shut on Thursday. In a letter signed by the school’s head, Richard McMahon, the management said there was no immediate danger but stressed the need to act responsibly.
The school, however, confirmed that students would continue learning through online classes during the closure.
“While there is no immediate danger, we have chosen to act responsibly by taking the matter seriously and putting all necessary safety measures in place,” the statement read.
“The school will use tomorrow to follow up fully with the appropriate authorities and receive official guidance.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and this temporary closure allows us to ensure that all protocols are properly observed.
“This will be at the discretion of each teacher, and parents will be contacted directly if an online lesson is scheduled.”
POLICE REACT
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Police Command said the threat had been neutralised.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, the police said the response team was led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh.
According to the police, the team comprised officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, as well as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
The operation involved a comprehensive sweep of the entire school environment, including classrooms, administrative offices, halls and playgrounds.
The EOD-CBRN experts ruled out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or any other hazardous materials.
However, the police commissioner ordered a full investigation to trace, identify and arrest the sender(s) of the threat message.