Two schools in Lagos, Avi-Cenna International School and Grange School, have suspended physical academic activities following a reported explosion threat.
Avi-Cenna International School announced its closure in a letter signed by Paul Olubajo.
The letter, addressed to parents and guardians, explained that the school management received an explosion threat through a text message.
The management disclosed that the police were immediately informed and that a special police unit was deployed to the school.
Avi-Cenna stated that despite the police confirming the premises were safe, the school would remain closed for the day.
The school management apologised for the inconvenience, noting that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of the school community.
“We wish to inform you that we received a text message about a fire explosion threat,” the letter reads.
“The police authorities were immediately informed, and they deployed their special unit with their devices to the school. After a thorough assessment of the entire premises, they confirmed that the premises are safe. However, school will remain closed for today.
“We are sharing this update to keep you informed and will share further updates as they become available. Kindly bear with us as we continue to strive to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and parents.”
Grange School also announced that it would shut down physical activities on Thursday.
In a letter to the school community, the head of school, Richard McMahon, said that although there was no immediate danger, it was necessary to act with caution.
The school added that online classes would be organised for students during the closure.
“While there is no immediate danger, we have chosen to act responsibly by taking the matter seriously and putting all necessary safety measures in place,” the statement reads.
“The school will use tomorrow to follow up fully with the appropriate authorities and receive official guidance.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and this temporary closure allows us to ensure that all protocols are properly observed.
“This will be at the discretion of each teacher, and parents will be contacted directly if an online lesson is scheduled.”
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Police Command said the threat had been neutralised.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, the police said the response team was led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh.
According to Adebisi, the team comprised officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear unit, as well as the Rapid Response Squad.
She explained that the operation involved a detailed sweep of the entire school premises, including classrooms, administrative offices, halls, and playgrounds.
The EOD-CBRN experts, however, confirmed that no Improvised Explosive Devices or other hazardous materials were found.
Despite this, the police commissioner ordered a full investigation to trace, identify, and arrest those responsible for sending the threat message.
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