Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, were reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen after armed attackers stormed a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo on Wednesday night, forcing the institution to suspend Thursday’s examinations.
The assailants reportedly invaded the hostel located along Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo, a community adjoining the polytechnic, and operated for about 30 minutes while firing gunshots.
While some students claimed that as many as eight persons were kidnapped, the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) confirmed that five students were abducted. The Ogun State Police Command said it was still verifying the exact number of victims.
In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Timothy, General Secretary Salau Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Sonayon, the union described the hostel as highly vulnerable due to its remote location.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 7:45 p.m. and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The union said several students escaped through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee. It added that no lives were lost during the incident.
“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,” the statement said.
Following the incident, the polytechnic management announced the cancellation of Thursday’s examinations.
In a notice issued to students, the management stated that Thursday’s examination had been postponed due to the security situation, while Friday’s examination would proceed as scheduled unless a new announcement was made. Students were urged to remain calm and continue preparing for their examinations.
The SUG also appealed to students, parents, and members of the public to disregard false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media.
Confirming the attack, the Ogun State Police Command said it had launched a coordinated rescue operation involving tactical teams and intelligence assets.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said security agencies were working to secure the safe release of the abducted students and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“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. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,” the statement said.
The police urged parents, students, and the general public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
