Authorities launch search for kidnappers of Ogun polytechnic students

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The Ogun State Police Command says it has launched a manhunt for gunmen who abducted an unspecified number of persons suspected to be students from a private hostel in the Ipara area of Ogun State, with tactical teams and intelligence operatives intensifying rescue efforts.

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PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, targeted a private student hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara, where students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, reside off campus.

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The incident was said to have sparked panic among students and residents, with conflicting reports circulating on social media over the number of victims allegedly abducted.

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Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Students’ Union Government of the institution, in a statement by its president, Timothy Akinpelu, and public relations officer, Francis Mathew, clarified that the attack did not occur within the polytechnic campus.

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The union explained that the gunmen invaded the private hostel at about 7:45pm, noting that the facility is situated in an isolated location, making it difficult for nearby residents to respond promptly.

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According to the SUG, the attackers fired several gunshots during the operation, but no student was killed.

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The union also confirmed that some persons were abducted during the attack but stressed that the number of victims remained unverified.

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“Although there were victims of abduction during the incident, we wish to clarify that the number of abducted persons currently being circulated is unverified and should not be regarded as official,” the statement read.

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The SUG added that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, expressing confidence that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

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The students’ body urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to disregard what it described as false and exaggerated reports capable of creating panic within the school community.

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“While the abduction is real and deeply unfortunate, many of the stories currently in circulation do not accurately represent the facts and only serve to create unnecessary fear and panic within the school community,” the union stated.

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It also advised students seeking accommodation to patronise hostels located in secure and populated environments while avoiding isolated areas vulnerable to criminal attacks.

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Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had commenced coordinated rescue operations immediately after receiving a distress report from the area.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, in a response on Thursday, said tactical teams and intelligence assets had been deployed while bush-combing operations were ongoing to track down the abductors.

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“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.

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“Immediately the distress report was received, the command activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area.

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“Bush-combing and other targeted operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,” Oluseyi stated.

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He also added that the exact number of abducted persons had yet to be established because verification and investigations were still ongoing.

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Efforts to get the reaction of the polytechnic’s public relations officer, Folorunso Adedayo, were unsuccessful, as her number was unreachable at the time of filing this report.

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PUNCH Metro reported in April that operatives of the Ogun State Police Command rescued five students of an institution who were abducted by armed criminals in the Sapade area of the state.

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Oluseyi had disclosed that the incident occurred on April 27, 2026, at about 10:55pm, prompting policemen to visit the scene.

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