Five Students Kidnapped As Gunmen Attack Ogun Polytechnic Hostel

Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, have been abducted after suspected gunmen attacked a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo on Wednesday night, prompting the institution to suspend Thursday’s examination.

According to reports, the attackers stormed a private hostel located along Paraga Road at about 7:45 p.m., where they reportedly operated for nearly 30 minutes while firing gunshots before fleeing with several students.

While some students claimed that as many as eight people were taken away during the attack, the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) confirmed that five students were abducted. The Ogun State Police Command said it could not immediately verify the exact number of victims.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Timothy, General Secretary Salau Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Sonayon, the union described the hostel as being in a remote and vulnerable location surrounded by thick vegetation.

According to the union, several students managed to escape by breaking through the hostel’s POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee before the attackers abducted them.

“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.”

Following the incident, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic announced the postponement of Thursday’s examination.

In a notice issued to students, the institution said Thursday’s examination had been cancelled due to the security situation, while Friday’s examination would proceed as scheduled unless a new directive was issued.

Students were urged to remain calm, continue preparing for their examinations and await further official updates.

The Students’ Union also appealed to students, parents and members of the public to ignore unverified reports circulating on social media, warning against the spread of misinformation.

Confirming the attack, the Ogun State Police Command said it had launched a coordinated rescue operation involving other security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted students and arrest those responsible.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police said tactical teams and intelligence assets were immediately deployed after receiving the distress report.

“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.”

The command further appealed to parents, students and the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating false information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.