Juliet Oladele, Reporting
JUST one day after a final-year student was killed during an overnight robbery in Ewekoro, suspected gunmen have abducted five students from a private hostel at Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Ogun State, raising fresh alarm over the safety of tertiary institutions in the region.
The attack occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, a community adjoining the polytechnic, according to the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
The assault lasted for about 30 minutes, with assailants firing gunshots before fleeing with their victims.
In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the hostel’s location as dangerously isolated.
“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 statement read.
“Due to the isolated location, residents in surrounding areas were unable to hear or respond to the incident in time.”
The union confirmed that several students managed to escape through the POP ceiling, but five were not so fortunate.
The matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, with the union expressing confidence that “immediate efforts are underway to ensure the safe rescue of the affected students.”
The abductions come barely 24 hours after a final-year female Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was killed during an overnight robbery in the Eruku area of Ewekoro Local Government, also in Ogun State.
In response to Wednesday’s attack, the polytechnic management suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.
“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled. However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned,” read a notice from the institution.
“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 union urged students, parents, guardians and the public to disregard “false, exaggerated and unverified information” circulating on social media, cautioning that many stories currently in circulation “do not accurately represent the facts and only serve to create unnecessary fear and panic.”
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction but said the command had yet to ascertain the exact number of victims or whether all were students.
“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident reported at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
“Immediately the distress report was received, the Command activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Bush-combing and other targeted operations are ongoing,” Babaseyi said.
He urged members of the public to refrain from circulating misinformation that could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
The attacks have heightened concerns over student safety in Ogun State’s educational institutions, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures around campus hostels and off-campus accommodation.
