The Edo State Government has announced the indefinite postponement of resumption for all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the decision was made to allow the state time to address pressing issues and improve the welfare of students.
He added, “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 announcement comes in the wake of a violent turn during a peaceful protest over insecurity on Saturday. What began as a demonstration against rising crime and recent killings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, escalated after hoodlums hijacked the protest. Traders at the livestock market were attacked, goats slaughtered, and cows beaten, incidents captured in videos that quickly went viral.
The rioters also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act condemned by Governor Okpebholo.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest and that the case had been referred to military authorities.
The crisis began when residents blocked a major highway to protest insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth the previous night. The peaceful demonstration deteriorated into violence when some youths turned on Hausa traders at the livestock market, sparking chaos across the area.
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