The Edo State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption of 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 give the state time to address urgent 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 after a peaceful protest over insecurity on Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, escalated into violence. Residents had initially gathered to protest rising crime, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth the previous night, blocking a major highway to voice their concerns.

The protest was hijacked by hoodlums who attacked traders at the livestock market, slaughtered goats, beat cows, and caused panic, with videos of the chaos going viral. The rioters also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, prompting condemnation from Governor Okpebholo.

Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that a soldier shot one person during the unrest and that the case has been referred to military authorities.

The violent events have raised serious security concerns in the region, leading the government to delay the reopening of schools until the situation is stabilized.