In a shocking discovery, the Edo State Government uncovered an illegal brothel operating within the premises of a public primary school in one of its local government areas. The revelation, made public in May 2025, sent shockwaves across the state and sparked outrage among parents, educators, and community leaders. The brothel, which operated under the guise of a private business, was allegedly set up in unused classrooms and administrative buildings of the school, which had been partially abandoned due to years of neglect and underfunding.
The Edo State Ministry of Education, acting on a tip-off from concerned residents, conducted a raid in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, uncovering a network of sex workers, clients, and facilitators using the school premises after hours. The investigation revealed that the brothel had been active for several months, with operators exploiting the school’s dilapidated state and lack of security to conduct their activities. Items recovered during the raid included mattresses, condoms, and other paraphernalia, raising serious concerns about the safety and welfare of pupils who attend the school during the day.
The state government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to take decisive action, announcing the immediate closure of the school for a thorough investigation and rehabilitation. The governor described the situation as a “desecration of education” and promised to hold those responsible accountable. Preliminary findings suggest that local officials may have been complicit, either through negligence or direct involvement, prompting the government to set up a special task force to probe the matter. Parents and community members have demanded the prosecution of the culprits and the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents, including improved school security and regular inspections.
The incident has highlighted the broader issue of decaying educational infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where abandoned school buildings are vulnerable to misuse. Civil society groups have called for increased funding for education and stricter oversight to protect public institutions. The Edo State Government has also announced plans to renovate the affected school and deploy security personnel to safeguard other public facilities. The scandal has reignited debates about governance and accountability in Nigeria’s education sector, with stakeholders urging systemic reforms to prevent such egregious violations in the future.