By Ayodele Oni
Resumption of primary and secondary schools in Edo Central senatorial district has been out on hold.
This follows escalation of banditry in the area, especially Ekpoma, which has triggered mass protest in the community last weekend.
Students of the Edo State University, Ekpoma, earlier scheduled to resume academic activities also on Monday have been advised to stay away.
Edo State Ministry of Education announced the postponement of resumption date for primary and secondary schools in the Edo Central.
In a press statement Monday, signed by Emmanuel Paddy lyamu, Commissioner for Education, the ministry informed 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.
All schools in the State resumed a new term on Monday 12, 2026.
Giving reasons for the shift in date, the statement said: “This is to enable us address some exigency 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.”
Meanwhile, resident of Ekpoma have confirmed Citing military helicopter in the area on Monday, as the state government moved to curtail Incessant Kidnappings in the area
Governor Monday Okpebholo was also reported to have temporarily relocated to Ekpoma to monitor security situation in the community.
The Edo State Police Command refuted claim making around on the social media that one of its stations was set ablaze by irate youths.
The Public Relations Officer of the state Police command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement described the information as false, misleading, and reckless.
According to her, “The command wishes to categorically state that no Police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma.
“The viral claims are entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, generate panic, and undermine public confidence.
“The actual incident occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026, at about 1130hrs, when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and a spark reportedly emanated from one of the shops within the Powa Shops area of Ekpoma Division, igniting a fire that spread across several adjoining shops.
“Swift intervention by Police personnel in collaboration with members of the public helped to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing further escalation.
“Although the value of properties damaged is yet to be ascertained, no life was lost.
“The Command strongly condemns the deliberate spread of false information by individuals and content creators who, in their desperate pursuit of social media relevance, propagate unverified and sensational narratives.
“This is capable of causing public panic, economic disruption, and security threats, highlighting that such reckless misinformation does not only mislead the public but also diverts emergency resources, damages institutional credibility, and may trigger avoidable unrest.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to always verify information from credible and official sources before sharing.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, reassures residents of Ekpoma and the general public that the security situation remains calm and fully under control.
“He urges citizens to remain law-abiding and to disregard all unverified social media reports capable of inciting fear or confusion.
“Members of the public are encouraged to rely on the Command’s official communication channels for accurate information through.”
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