Terror threat forces closure of Lagos schools
By Samuel Ogunsona
Two prominent schools in Lagos, Grange and Avi-Cenna have received letters from unknown persons promising to bomb the institutions.
The schools are attended by children of Nigerian ruling class.
Irohinoodua was uncertain if the threats are linked to terrorists operating in some parts of the country.
Lagos has been one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Authorities of the concerned schools said they have been shut down due to threats of an explosion.
The schools made the announcement in separate letters to parents and guardians, citing safety concerns.
According to Avi-Cenna School, a text message threatening a fire explosion was received, prompting the management to contact the police and deploy a special unit to the school.
Despite the police declaring the premises safe after a thorough assessment, the school decided to remain closed for the day.
“We received a threat message and immediately informed the police, who deployed their special unit to the school. Although they confirmed the premises are safe, we’ve decided to close the school for today,” the school’s management explained.
Similarly, Grange School announced its closure, citing the need to act responsibly in the face of the threat.
However, the school assured parents that online classes would continue, and teachers would notify parents directly if an online lesson is scheduled.
The Lagos State Police Command has since declared that the threat has been neutralized. According to the police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, a team of responders, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Rapid Response Squad experts, conducted a thorough sweep of the schools and found no evidence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other hazardous materials.
The police commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered an investigation to identify and apprehend the sender(s) of the threat message.
The safety and well-being of students, staff, and families remain the top priority for both schools.
