Fear and anxiety engulfed Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, on Thursday after suspected gunmen invaded a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo, abducting an unspecified number of students and forcing the institution to suspend its scheduled examinations.
While some eyewitnesses and students claimed that eight students were whisked away during the attack, the institution’s Students’ Union Government said five students were abducted.
The Ogun State Police Command said it could not immediately confirm the exact number of victims.
The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening at a private hostel located along Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo, a community bordering the polytechnic in Remo North Local Government Area.
According to students, the armed assailants operated for about 30 minutes, firing sporadically before escaping with the victims into the surrounding forest.
In a statement jointly signed by the Students’ Union President, Akinpelu Timothy, General Secretary, Salau Saidat, and Public Relations Officer, Matthew Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as highly vulnerable because of its isolated location.
The statement read, “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.”
The incident threw the campus into panic, prompting the management of the institution to cancel the computer-based test and written examinations scheduled for Thursday.
In a notice issued to students, the management said, “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 Students’ Union also appealed to students, parents and members of the public to disregard unverified reports and exaggerated claims circulating on social media regarding the incident.
Confirming the attack, the Ogun State Police Command said a coordinated rescue operation involving other security agencies had commenced to secure the release of the abducted students and arrest the perpetrators.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, 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.”
He appealed to residents, parents and students to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of jeopardising ongoing security operations.
“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 police spokesman added.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security of students residing in private hostels around tertiary institutions in Ogun State, particularly those located in isolated communities.
As of the time of filing this report, none of the abducted students had been rescued, while security operatives continued combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims.
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