Suspected bandits abduct five students in Ogun

At least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade. GAPOSA, Ogun State, were reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen on Wednesday.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the attackers invaded a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, one of the communities adjoining the polytechnic.

It was learnt that the attack lasted for approximately 30 minutes, during which the assailants allegedly fired gunshots and abducted several students.

Following the incident, the polytechnic management suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

“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 notice read.

The Students’ Union Government, SUG confirmed that five students were affected.

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 attacked hostel “is situated in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students.”

“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 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.”

They urged students, parents, guardians, and members of the public to disregard “false, exaggerated, and unverified information” circulating on social media.

The union added: “While the incident 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.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction but said the command had yet to ascertain whether the victims were students.

“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.”

He urged members of the public to disregard unverified figures and refrain from circulating misinformation capable of undermining ongoing operations.