Friday, July 31, 2026 - Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State.
The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29,
2026 when the attackers invaded a private student hostel along Paraga Road,
Ipara-Remo, one of the communities adjoining the polytechnic.
It was further gathered that the attack lasted for
approximately 30 minutes, during which the assailants fired gunshots and
abducted several students.
Some students who spoke with Daily Trust claimed that at
least eight students were abducted.
However, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) confirmed that
five students were affected.
Following the incident, the polytechnic management suspended
the examination 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.
In a statement, the SUG said 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.”
The statement was jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu
Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public
Relations Officer (PRO) Matthew Francis Sonayon.
"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.”
The Students’ Union Government 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.”
The Chairman of Remo Local Government, Muyiwa Sodade, also
confirmed the incident, saying security operatives were combing nearby forests
in search of the victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the police command,
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction but said the command had
yet to ascertain whether the victims were students.
“I can tell you there were abductions, but I cannot confirm
anything beyond that for now. We are gathering intelligence and will provide
further updates as they become available," he said.
“We don’t know yet whether those abducted are
students."
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