A violent attack on a private student hostel near Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, forced the institution to suspend Thursday’s examination after suspected gunmen abducted five students on Wednesday night in Ipara Remo, Ogun State.
The attack, according to a statement issued by the Students’ Union Government, lasted about 30 minutes. It happened along Paraga Road, where the assailants fired gunshots before escaping with the students.
The police have reportedly started a rescue operation, while the school adjusted its examination schedule as security agencies work to free the victims.
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The suspension of the examination has brought attention to the safety of students living in private hostels outside school premises.
The incident has also renewed focus on the security risks linked to hostels located in isolated areas near tertiary institutions, even as the police continue efforts to rescue those taken away.
Attack forces academic disruption
The management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic cancelled Thursday’s examination after news of the abduction spread through the campus.
A notice issued by the institution informed students that only Thursday’s examination had been postponed.
It explained that Friday’s examination would continue unless a new announcement was made. Students were also encouraged to remain calm and continue preparing for their papers while waiting for further information.
The attack happened at about 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday at a private hostel along Paraga Road in Ipara Remo, one of the communities close to the polytechnic.
The Students’ Union Government said the hostel was located in a remote environment surrounded by thick bush, making it unsafe for students.
The union explained that the attackers operated for about 30 minutes. Gunshots were fired during the incident, but no student was killed.
It stated that several students escaped by breaking through the POP ceiling, while others could not get away before the attackers left with five students.
Although some students claimed that at least eight people were abducted, the Students’ Union Government confirmed that five students were taken. The Ogun State Police Command stated that it could not immediately verify the exact number of victims.
The union also urged students, parents and members of the public to ignore false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media about the incident.
Rescue operation under way
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that security personnel had begun a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted students and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command received a distress report shortly after the incident and immediately deployed tactical teams and intelligence personnel to the area.
“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,” Babaseyi said.
He explained that the police were working with other security agencies to ensure the victims were rescued safely while efforts to track the attackers continued.
The police also appealed to parents, students and residents to stay calm and avoid spreading false information that could interfere with the rescue operation.
“The Ogun State Police Command appeals to parents, students, and the general public to remain calm and disregard any misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operations,” Babaseyi said.
The incident has left students waiting for updates on rescue efforts.
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