The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area as a precautionary measure following intelligence reports of a possible security threat targeting schools in the area.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes amid heightened security concerns in Edo North Senatorial District after reports of a suspected plot to abduct students in public schools.
The affected institutions are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke, all located in Akoko-Edo LGA.
The development was reportedly linked to an intelligence alert from the Edo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), which raised concerns over a planned kidnapping operation allegedly being coordinated by suspected criminals. The security report also claimed that an intercepted communication between two suspects indicated active planning of the operation, while one individual was said to have been arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance within a school premises.
In response, the state government said the closure was necessary to prevent any potential breach of security and to safeguard students, teachers, and school infrastructure.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, said the directive was part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
According to the statement, all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools have been suspended indefinitely, pending further security assessment and government directives.
However, students currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be permitted to access their examination centres under strict security supervision coordinated by school authorities, security agencies, and community leaders.
School principals were directed to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure all school facilities during the closure period, and maintain continuous communication with the State Ministry of Education, the Chief Inspector of Education, and relevant security agencies.
The government further urged parents, guardians, and residents of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security operatives as efforts intensify to maintain peace in the area.
Reassuring the public, the statement added that the government is working closely with security agencies to address the threat and restore normal academic activities as soon as it is considered safe to do so.
WASSCE: Akeem Lasisi Highlights Common Mistakes Candidates Make in Informal Letter Writing
As candidates prepare for the English Language paper in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), language expert and educator, Akeem Lasisi, has outlined common mistakes students should avoid when writing informal letters.
Lasisi, in an educational article published on Monday, noted that despite rapid technological advancement and changing communication platforms, letter writing remains a vital aspect of written communication and an important component of English language examinations.
According to him, informal letters are generally easier to write because they are addressed to family members, friends, and acquaintances, allowing for a more relaxed tone than formal correspondence. However, he cautioned that many candidates lose valuable marks by misunderstanding the basic rules governing the format.
Avoid Using Two Addresses
One of the most common errors, Lasisi explained, is the inclusion of two addresses. Unlike formal letters, which require both the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, informal letters require only the writer’s address and date.
Do Not Add a Title
He also advised candidates against adding a title or heading to an informal letter. While formal letters often carry a subject heading, informal letters begin directly with a salutation such as “Dear Mum” or “Dear Friend.”
Stay Focused on the Question
Lasisi stressed the importance of addressing the specific topic given in the examination question. Candidates must clearly understand the purpose of the letter and develop their ideas accordingly.
Whether the task involves narrating an experience, describing an event, discussing family matters, or explaining future plans, students should remain focused on the central theme throughout the letter.
“Being familiar with the recipient should not distract candidates from addressing the requirements of the question,” he noted.
Organise Ideas into Clear Paragraphs
The language expert further warned against writing the entire letter as a single block of text. He encouraged students to organise their thoughts into logical and coherent paragraphs to enhance readability and clarity.
Limit the Use of Slang
Although informal letters permit a conversational tone, excessive use of slang expressions should be avoided. According to Lasisi, overusing slang can make a letter appear unclear and less effective.
Avoid Vulgar or Careless Language
He also reminded candidates that informality does not justify poor language use. Vulgar expressions, offensive remarks, and careless writing should be avoided, even when addressing close friends or relatives.
Observe Proper Letter Conventions
Lasisi highlighted another frequent error involving the salutation and subscription. While salutations such as “Dear Mum” require capital letters, subscription phrases should follow standard conventions.
Examples include “Yours sincerely,” “Your loving son,” and “Your dear daughter,” where only the first word begins with a capital letter.
Master Essay Writing Techniques
Offering broader examination advice, Lasisi urged candidates to remember that English language examiners assess not only content but also reasoning ability, organisation, grammar, and mastery of language.
He advised students to familiarise themselves with the unique features of various essay types, including argumentative essays, debates, speeches, and letters, to maximise their performance in the examination.
With thousands of candidates set to sit for the English Language paper, the guidance serves as a timely reminder that attention to structure, clarity, and language conventions remains essential for success.
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