Edo Schools: Governor Okpebholo Postpones Resumption in Edo Central

The Edo State Government has announced the postponement of the resumption date for all public and private schools in the Edo Central Senatorial District.

In a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the decision was taken to allow the state government address pressing concerns aimed at safeguarding students and improving their overall welfare.

According to him, the suspension of resumption will remain in effect until further notice, adding that a new date will be communicated to the public at the appropriate time.

He urged parents, guardians and other education stakeholders within the district to take note of the development and comply with the directive.

The postponement comes against the backdrop of unrest in the area following a peaceful protest over insecurity that degenerated into violence over the weekend.

What began as a demonstration by residents demanding action over rising cases of kidnapping and the killing of a youth on Friday night escalated on Saturday when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

The situation worsened as the attackers targeted traders at the livestock market, killing goats, beating cattle and creating widespread panic. Videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media.

The crisis further escalated with the vandalisation of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an incident that drew strong condemnation from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Confirming developments, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest, noting that the matter had been referred to military authorities for further investigation.

The violence reportedly disrupted normal activities in the area after protesters blocked a major highway to draw attention to their grievances before the situation spiralled out of control.