Daud Olatunji
In a disturbing turn of events, suspected armed robbers have launched a renewed attack on students of Gateway Polytechnic (ICT), Sapaade, Ogun State, leaving one dead and nine others injured.
This incident occurs just a week after students protested against alleged robbery and rape targeting female students, raising concerns over the security situation in the area.
The assailants targeted students residing in off-campus hotels located at Ode, Ipara, and Isara, all neighboring communities to Sapaade.
The fresh attack follows the closure of the institution for three days in response to last week’s protests, aimed at restoring order.
Despite efforts by the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, to address rising tensions and meet with students’ leaders, the armed robbers returned to Ode in the early hours of Saturday.
Reports indicate that the attackers, armed with guns, invaded student hotels around 3 am, unleashing terror on the residents.
One student recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the assailants used heavy stones to break windows and gain entry.
The attack, concentrated in the Larufi area of Ode, resulted in one fatality and nine injuries, including a landlord. Viral video clips reveal the aftermath, with shattered doors, broken windows, and walls pierced by bullets.
According to an anonymous source, the attackers stole a car to facilitate their escape.
A senior lecturer at the polytechnic confirmed the attack, revealing that six individuals were shot, with one fatality.
He expressed frustration over the recurrent attacks on students and criticized the inadequate security measures in the area.
The Police Spokesman, Omolola Odutola, has not responded to calls and messages at the time of this report, and the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, remains inaccessible, further raising concerns about the effectiveness of the response.
While the Head of Public Relations for the institution, Ms Adedayo Folorunsho, declined to comment on the ongoing situation, the students union of Gateway Polytechnic has passed a vote of no confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun, citing the administration’s perceived failure to address security challenges in the students’ communities.
The students’ union emphasizes the urgent need for improved security measures to protect lives and property in and around the campus.
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