No fewer than eight students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, were reportedly abducted on Wednesday evening when gunmen attacked a private student hostel along Paraga Road in Ipara.
The attack, which occurred at about 7:45 p.m., lasted for approximately 30 minutes, during which the gunmen reportedly fired several gunshots, throwing residents and students into panic.
Confirming the incident, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution said contrary to reports circulating on social media, no student was killed during the attack.
In a statement jointly signed by the SUG President, Comrade Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy; the General Secretary, Comrade Salau Boluwaduro Saidat; and the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union disclosed that the affected hostel is situated in a remote area surrounded by thick vegetation, making it vulnerable to criminal attacks.
According to the union, several students escaped by breaking through the building’s suspended POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee and were taken away by the attackers.
“The hostel is located in an isolated environment with dense vegetation, making it an unsafe residential area for students,” the statement noted, while urging authorities to strengthen security around student accommodations.
The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said tactical teams and intelligence assets had been deployed to the area to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Babaseyi explained that the exact number of abducted students had yet to be confirmed as investigations and verification were still ongoing.
In response to the security breach, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic announced the immediate cancellation of the computer-based tests (CBT) and written examinations scheduled for Thursday.
In a notice issued to students, the institution attributed the decision to the security situation arising from the abduction.
“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 exam, an official announcement will be communicated promptly,” the notice read.
The management urged students to remain calm and continue preparing for their examinations, expressing optimism that the situation would soon be brought under control.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the abductors as concern grows over the safety of students living in off-campus hostels in the area.
