The Edo State Government has delayed the resumption of both public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The district, which is the ancestral home of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has recently experienced a series of security challenges.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, explained that the postponement would remain in effect until further notice, allowing the government to address pressing concerns and enhance the safety and welfare of students.
“The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course,” the Commissioner said.
“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”
The decision followed last Saturday’s peaceful protest against insecurity and kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which later escalated into violence.
The protest was reportedly taken over by hoodlums who blocked a major highway, disrupted commercial activities, and attacked traders at the livestock market, killing goats and beating cows, as shown in viral videos.
The attackers also stormed and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act strongly condemned by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
On Monday, the governor, alongside senior government officials, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, visited the palace to inspect the extent of the damage.
Several vehicles, canopies, chairs, doors, and windows were destroyed, while goods belonging to the monarch’s wife were also damaged.
Describing the incident as criminal and unacceptable, Okpebholo warned that protests should never serve as a pretext for lawlessness.
The governor also revealed that a security meeting had earlier been convened with particular attention on Edo Central, especially the Ekpoma axis, adding that strategic and technology-driven security measures had been deployed.