Armed attackers kidnap college students in Ogun

A brazen attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel in Ipara-Remo on Wednesday night resulted in the abduction of five students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, prompting the institution to call off Thursday's examination.

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The attackers descended upon a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, a community adjacent to the polytechnic, and carried out their operation for approximately 30 minutes, firing gunshots intermittently.

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While some students claimed that at least eight persons were taken, the institution's Students' Union Government asserted that five students were abducted, although the Police were unable to confirm the exact number at the time.

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In a joint statement, the SUG President, Akinpelu Timothy, General Secretary, Salau Saidat, and Public Relations Officer, Matthew Sonayon, described the attacked hostel as being in a vulnerable location due to its remote setting.

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The union's statement revealed that the attack occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, with the hostel's isolated location, surrounded by thick bush, making it an unsuitable residential environment for students.

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The attack lasted for about 30 minutes, during which time the assailants fired gunshots, but fortunately, no student lost their life, with several escaping through the POP ceiling while others were unable to flee.

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The SUG confirmed that five students were abducted during the incident, which has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, with efforts underway to ensure the safe rescue of the affected students.

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Following the incident, the polytechnic management announced the postponement of Thursday's examination, with a notice stating that the examination scheduled for the next day would proceed as planned unless otherwise announced.

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The notice encouraged students to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations, expressing hope that the situation would be resolved soon.

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The Students' Union also urged students, parents, and the public to disregard false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media regarding the incident.

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

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In a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said it was aware of the abduction incident at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and had deployed tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area.

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The police appealed for calm, urging the public not to spread misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing rescue efforts, with the Ogun State Police Command asking parents, students, and the general public to remain calm and disregard any misinformation.