Benin City, January 12, 2026 — The Edo State Government has announced the indefinite postponement of the second-term resumption for all public and private schools across the Edo Central Senatorial District. The decision, affecting thousands of students in the region including Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North-East, Igueben, and Uhunmwonde local government areas, comes directly in response to escalating insecurity marked by frequent kidnappings and a violent protest that erupted in Ekpoma last week.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu (also referred to as Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu in some reports), issued the official statement on Monday, January 12, 2026, from Benin City. In the announcement, Iyamu explained that the postponement is intended to allow authorities to address critical security and welfare concerns for students and the broader community.
“This is to inform the general public, particularly parents, school heads, and proprietors, that the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District for the Second Term of the 2025/2026 academic session has been postponed until further notice,” the statement read. “This is to enable us to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of our children. The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course. Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”
The measure follows a chaotic protest in Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area and home to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), on Saturday, January 10, 2026. What began as a peaceful demonstration by residents, including students, against the rising wave of kidnappings quickly escalated into violence. Protesters blocked major roads, including sections of the Benin–Abuja highway, set bonfires, vandalized properties—including the palace of the Onojie (traditional ruler) of Ekpoma—and looted shops and commercial outlets. Several individuals sustained injuries during the clashes, and reports indicate that a military personnel discharged firearms, wounding at least one protester identified as 32-year-old Osagie Abraham.
The Edo State Police Command described the incident as a peaceful protest that was “hijacked by hoodlums,” leading to malicious damage, looting, and other unlawful acts. Authorities have since restored order, with intensified patrols and intelligence operations deployed to curb kidnappings. However, the unrest has heightened fears, particularly for schoolchildren who commute or reside in hostels.
The protest was triggered by the abduction and killing of a young man on January 9, 2026, allegedly by suspected kidnappers, amid a surge in such incidents that have paralyzed economic activities. Farmers have reportedly abandoned their fields due to fear, and residents live in constant anxiety. Disturbingly, a CCTV-captured kidnapping occurred on Sunday, January 11—just a day after the protest—further underscoring the persistent threat.
In the aftermath, over 50 individuals, including students from Ambrose Alli University, were arrested and remanded in correctional facilities by order of the Edo State High Court. Families expressed emotional distress as the suspects were taken away, highlighting community tensions over both insecurity and the handling of protests.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who hails from the Edo Central zone, has condemned the violence, particularly the attack on the traditional ruler’s palace, and assured residents that his administration will not allow criminals to hold the state hostage. Security chiefs have relocated temporarily to Ekpoma to oversee operations, including the use of drone units and local hunters to rescue victims—nine kidnapped persons were freed unhurt in one recent operation.
Education stakeholders and parents have welcomed the postponement as a precautionary step to prevent potential disruptions or risks to students amid the volatile atmosphere. The district, a key educational hub with institutions like AAU, has seen previous disruptions from insecurity, but this indefinite suspension marks a significant response to the current crisis.
The government has urged calm and constructive engagement, with police promising continued efforts to address the root causes of kidnapping. As the situation evolves, residents await further updates on school resumption and enhanced security measures.
This development reflects broader challenges of insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a major concern, often targeting vulnerable groups including students and rural dwellers. The Edo Central postponement serves as a stark reminder of how security threats can directly impact education and daily life.
