Five Gateway ICT Polytechnic students were reportedly taken from a private hostel in Ipara-Remo, prompting the suspension of an examination as security agencies launch rescue efforts

The reported Ogun poly abduction of five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, has renewed concerns over student safety in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, after suspected gunmen attacked a private hostel on Wednesday night, July 29, 2026, forcing the institution to suspend Thursday’s examination.

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The incident occurred at about 7:45pm at a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, one of the communities surrounding the polytechnic. According to the Students’ Union Government, the attackers operated for about 30 minutes and fired several gunshots during the raid.

While some students reportedly claimed that as many as eight people were abducted, the Students’ Union Government said five students were taken away.

The Ogun State Police Command said it could not immediately confirm the number of victims.

In a statement signed by SUG President Akinpelu Timothy, General Secretary Salau Saidat and Public Relations Officer Matthew Sonayon, the union described the hostel’s location as particularly vulnerable because it was isolated and surrounded by thick bush.

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

“We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident,” the union said, adding that the matter had been reported to the police and other relevant security agencies.

The Ogun State Police Command said it immediately activated a coordinated response with other security agencies after receiving the distress report. Tactical teams and intelligence assets were deployed to the area as efforts continued to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

“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,” the command said through its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

The school management subsequently cancelled Thursday’s examination, although it said Friday’s paper would proceed as scheduled unless a further announcement was made.

The decision brought an abrupt interruption to academic activities at an institution whose students have faced growing security concerns in surrounding communities.

The latest incident also comes only months after five Gateway ICT Polytechnic students were abducted along the Isara-Ode Road in April before being rescued by security operatives.

The earlier incident prompted renewed calls for stronger protection around student communities in Isara, Ipara and Ode.

Security concerns in the area have been raised repeatedly by students and stakeholders. Earlier in 2026, student representatives and community leaders called for urgent intervention over reported robbery attacks and other violent incidents affecting students living around the polytechnic.

The concerns have also extended beyond Gateway ICT Polytechnic. In June, the National Association of Nigerian Students expressed alarm over recurring attacks affecting students at several tertiary institutions in Ogun State and called for urgent action to improve security around campuses and student communities.

The latest attack has therefore deepened an already troubling conversation about the safety of students who live outside institutional hostels, particularly in communities where inadequate lighting, isolated buildings and surrounding bush can create vulnerabilities.

For the affected students and their families, however, the immediate priority remains the safe return of those reportedly taken away.

The police have not disclosed whether any suspects have been arrested or whether the identities of the victims are known. Authorities have also not announced whether a ransom demand has been made.

As rescue efforts continue, the incident has once again placed the security of students in the spotlight, with parents, school authorities and residents waiting anxiously for news of the victims.

The Ogun poly abduction has also renewed calls for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, security agencies and host communities to prevent isolated student residences from becoming easy targets for criminal groups.

For now, the police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardise the ongoing operation.

The focus remains on bringing the students home safely and ensuring that those behind the attack are brought to justice.

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The reported abduction follows a series of security challenges around the institution’s host communities, making the latest incident a particularly sobering reminder that academic pursuits cannot be separated from the need for safe and secure living environments.