Lagos: Grange, Avi-Cenna shut down schools after receiving explosion threats

Explosion threats have been issued to Grange and Avi-Cenna schools in Lagos, prompting the educational facilities to announce immediate shutdown.

Ahmed Oluwasanjo and Chukwu Eze • January 22, 2026

Grange and Avi-Cenna schools

Explosion threats have been issued to Grange and Avi-Cenna schools in Lagos, prompting the educational facilities to announce immediate shutdown.

The schools communicated their immediate shutdown of academic activities due to threats of an explosion in separate letters addressed to parents and guardians, seen by Peoples Gazette on Thursday.

A letter, signed by Paul Olubajo for Avi-Cenna School, addressed to parents and guardians, said, “We wish to inform you that we received a text message about a fire explosion threat.

“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 announced a similar security threat in a letter dated January 21 and signed by its head, Richard McMahon.

“We are writing to inform you that the school will be closed tomorrow as a precautionary measure. Earlier this evening (Wednesday), the school received a security-related concern,” the school stated.

It explained that 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 added, “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.”

Noting the disruption in the school’s academic activities, the letter said some teachers “may be able to conduct lessons online tomorrow (Thursday)”.

“This will be at the discretion of each teacher, and parents will be contacted directly if an online lesson is scheduled.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Further updates will be shared as soon as possible,” said Grange School.

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