Avi-Cenna International School and Grange School, both located in Lagos, have suspended on-site academic activities following reported threats of an explosion.
Paul Olubajo, representative of Avi-Cenna International School management, disclosed the development in a letter addressed to parents and guardians on Thursday.
The school said the decision followed the receipt of a text message warning of a possible fire explosion within the premises.
The management explained that security agencies were immediately contacted and a specialised police unit was deployed to the school.
“We wish to inform you that we received a text message about a fire explosion threat,” the letter stated.
The school added that security operatives conducted a full assessment of the premises and found no immediate danger.
“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,” the letter read.
Avi-Cenna said the closure was a precautionary measure taken in the interest of safety.
“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,” the statement added.
Grange School also announced the temporary closure of its campus in a separate communication to parents.
Richard McMahon, school head of Grange School, said the institution decided to act cautiously despite the absence of any confirmed danger.
“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 letter stated.
The school said the day would be used to engage relevant authorities and obtain official guidance.
“The school will use tomorrow to follow up fully with the appropriate authorities and receive official guidance,” McMahon said.
The Grange School added that the safety of students and staff informed the decision to suspend physical activities.
“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,” the statement read.
The school confirmed that lessons would continue online during the closure period.
“This will be at the discretion of each teacher, and parents will be contacted directly if an online lesson is scheduled,” it said.
POLICE REACTS
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Police Command said the threat had been neutralised.
Abimbola Adebisi, police spokesperson in Lagos, said the security response was coordinated by Olohundare Jimoh, commissioner of police.
Adebisi said the operation involved officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear unit and the Rapid Response Squad.
She explained that the exercise included a detailed sweep of classrooms, offices, halls and playgrounds within the affected school environment.
According to the police, no explosives or hazardous materials were found.
The EOD-CBRN team, Adebisi said, ruled out the presence of any Improvised Explosive Devices or related threats.
She added that Jimoh has ordered a full investigation to trace and arrest those responsible for sending the threat messages.