The Edo Government on Monday, announced a postponement of resumption, of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, amidst growing security challenges in parts of the state.
Resumption of schools in the area, has now been shifted to a later date that will be communicated to the public.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that schools were billed to reopen on Monday, for the second term, in the 2025/2026 academic calendar.
In a public announcement in Benin, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said that the postponement became necessary, to address emerging concerns affecting the welfare of students.
According to him, it is aimed at resolving ‘exigencies‘that would enhance the safety and well-being of children in the district.
Iyamu urged parents, guardians, school owners, and administrators within the district, to note the development, and comply accordingly.
He said that a new date for resumption, would be communicated to the public in due course.
Meanwhile, a Benin High Court on Monday ordered 52 persons remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre over last Saturday’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan-West LGA, Edo.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some Ambrose Alli University students were among those arrested and remanded following the violent protest in Ekpoma.
The suspects were arraigned through an Exparte Motion filed by Police Counsel, Polycap Odion, but journalists were denied access to the courtroom.
Presiding Judge, Justice Williams Aziegbemi, said he lacked jurisdiction and advised defence lawyers to file bail applications at Ubiaja High Court.
He remanded the suspects to Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to Feb. 26 for hearing.
Edo Police spokesman Eno Ikoedem said the suspects were arrested for engaging in violent protest.
Many defendants claimed they were abducted from their homes overnight or early Sunday morning and taken directly to the Police command in Benin.
A man, Abdulsalam, said his two sons never participated in the protest, while a mother said her son was taking clothes to a dry cleaner.
Some lawyers expressed shock that charges of malicious damage and armed robbery were filed against the suspects.
Counsel, Wisdom Isaac, said: “Nobody made complaints against the suspects, yet they are arraigned and remanded.”
NAN
