Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, stated in a statement released on Monday that the postponement was in place until further notice in order to allow the state to address current emergencies and enhance student welfare and safety.
“The public will be duly informed of the new date of resumption in due course,” he declared.
“We respectfully ask that parents, guardians, and all other education stakeholders in the Edo Central Senatorial District take note of this development and comply accordingly.” The decision was made in the midst of increased tension in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, following the violent turn of a peaceful rally on Saturday against kidnapping and insecurity. The demonstration was taken over by thugs, who also stopped a key highway, interfered with business operations, and attacked vendors at the livestock market, killing goats and beating cows in scenes that went viral.
Additionally, the attackers broke into and damaged Zaiki Anthony Abumere II’s palace in Ekpoma, an act that Governor Monday Okpebholo vehemently denounced.
The governor visited the palace on Monday to gauge the extent of the damage, accompanied by high-ranking government officials, Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress. Several vehicles, canopies, chairs, doors, and windows suffered damage, along with goods owned by the monarch’s wife. Governor Okpebholo condemned the invasion as criminal and unacceptable, emphasizing that protests should not mask lawlessness.
He expressed gratitude to the monarch for his support and addressed the issue of kidnapping, highlighting measures taken by the President to enhance security by withdrawing police from VIP duties. The governor noted a recent security meeting focused on Edo Central and detailed technology-driven operations in the area. Successful actions in Edo North led to the rescue of nine kidnapped individuals in Etsako West. He cautioned those who exploited protests for looting and violence, stating they would be pursued like kidnappers.
Okpebholo affirmed his commitment to the region, particularly Ekpoma, and vowed to take decisive action against criminality. The Onojie of Ekpoma described the incident as unfortunate, suggesting many attackers were under the influence of drugs and expressing concern over the lack of communication during the protest that breached palace security.
Reports on social media claiming that a police station in Ekpoma was set ablaze have been debunked by the Edo State Police Command as false and misleading. Police Public Relations Officer Eno Ikoedem clarified that the incident was due to a fire outbreak caused by an electrical spark in nearby shops, not the police station. The fire occurred during the restoration of electricity and was contained without any casualties. Additionally, one person was shot by a soldier amid unrest, with the case referred to military authorities. The police emphasized that the security situation in Ekpoma remains calm and urged residents to rely on official information.
