Suspected bandits abduct five students in Ogun

There was panic on Thursday after five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, were reportedly abducted by suspected bandits. It was learnt 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 further gathered that the attack lasted for approximately 30 minutes, during which the assailants fired gunshots and abducted several students. Some students who spoke 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 are any changes regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be made 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 hostel's isolated location, residents in the 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. 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. “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. “We don’t know yet whether those abducted are students.” It was reported that institutions in parts of the state, te especially Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, have repeatedly faced security threats, with several incidents resulting in the killing of students and the looting of their property.