Gunmen abduct poly students in Ogun

Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, were reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen after they attacked a private hostel in Ipara-Remo on Wednesday night, prompting the institution to suspend Thursday’s examination.

PUNCH Online learnt that the attackers invaded a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, one of the communities adjoining the polytechnic and operated for about 30 minutes while firing gunshots.

Although some students claimed that at least eight persons were abducted, the institution’s Students’ Union Government said five students were taken away, while the Police said it cannot immediately confirm the figure.

In a statement jointly signed by the SUG President, Akinpelu Timothy; General Secretary, Salau Saidat; and Public Relations Officer, Matthew Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as vulnerable because of its location.

“At approximately 7:45 p.m., suspected armed bandits attacked a private student hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara. The hostel is situated in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students.

“The attack lasted for approximately 30 minutes. Due to the isolated location of the hostel, residents in surrounding areas were unable to hear or respond to the incident in time. During the attack, the assailants fired gunshots; however, no student lost their life. By the grace of God, several students escaped through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee.

“We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident. The matter has been officially reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, and we are confident that immediate efforts are underway to ensure the safe rescue of the affected students.”

Following the incident, the polytechnic management announced the postponement of Thursday’s examination.

“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled.

“However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.

“For now, all students are encouraged to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations. We are hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon,” the notice read.

The Students’ Union urged students, parents and members of the public to disregard what it described as false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had launched a coordinated rescue operation with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, and posted on its social media page, the command said, “The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

“Immediately the distress report was received, the Police and other security agencies activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible.”

The police also appealed for calm, urging the public not to spread misinformation capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Ogun State Police Command appeals to parents, students, and the general public to remain calm and disregard any misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operations,” the statement added.