Gunmen attack Gateway Polytechnic in Ogun, abduct five students

Suspected gunmen have abducted at least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, after attacking a private student hostel in the Ipara-Remo area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the armed assailants invaded a hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, a community adjoining the polytechnic.

According to reports, the attackers operated for about 30 minutes, firing gunshots before whisking away several occupants of the hostel.

Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic announced the suspension of all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice issued to students, the institution 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 Government (SUG) confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.

In a statement jointly signed by the SUG President, Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as being in an isolated location surrounded by thick bush.

According to the statement, the hostel’s location made it particularly vulnerable to criminal attacks.

> “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.”

The union disclosed that while several students managed to escape through the building’s POP ceiling, others were unable to flee.

> “We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident. The matter has officially been 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 SUG also appealed to students, parents and members of the public to ignore unverified reports circulating on social media.

It noted that although the attack occurred, several exaggerated claims being shared online were inaccurate and only served to create unnecessary panic.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had commenced rescue operations but was still verifying the number and identities of the victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said tactical teams and intelligence assets were immediately deployed after the command received the distress report.

> “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.

> “Immediately the distress report was received, the Command activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Bush-combing and other targeted operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible.

> “The exact number of victims is yet to be ascertained, as verification and investigation are still in progress.”

The police urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

The latest attack comes barely 24 hours after a final-year female Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was reportedly killed during an overnight robbery in the Eruku area of Ogun State, raising fresh concerns over the security of students in the state.

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