At least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen who invaded a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at about 7:45pm to 8pm at a hostel along Paraga Road, one of the communities adjoining the polytechnic.
The attackers reportedly operated for about 30 minutes, firing gunshots before abducting several occupants of the hostel.
Following the incident, the management of the polytechnic suspended examinations scheduled for Thursday.
In a notice to students, the institution said the affected examination had been cancelled, while the examination scheduled for Friday would proceed unless a contrary announcement was made.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) confirmed that five students were affected by the attack.
In a statement signed by the SUG President, Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy; General Secretary, Salau Boluwaduro Saidat; and Public Relations Officer, Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union said the hostel was located in a remote area surrounded by thick bush.
The union described the location as vulnerable and unsuitable for student accommodation.
According to the SUG, the attack lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which the gunmen fired several shots.
“No student lost their life. By the grace of God, several students escaped through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee,” the statement said.
The union confirmed that five students were abducted and said the incident had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.
It expressed confidence that security personnel were working to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
The SUG also appealed to students, parents, guardians and members of the public to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media.
It said although the incident was genuine, several claims being circulated online were exaggerated and could cause unnecessary panic within the school community.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that an abduction had occurred at a private hostel in the Ipara area but said it had yet to establish whether the victims were students of GAPOSA.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command received a distress report on Wednesday night and immediately deployed tactical teams and intelligence personnel to the area.
“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,” Babaseyi said.
He added that the exact number of victims was still being verified.
“The exact number of victims is yet to be ascertained, as verification and investigation are still in progress,” he stated.
The police spokesman urged members of the public to disregard unverified figures and avoid spreading information that could undermine ongoing security operations.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of students living in private hostels around the polytechnic, particularly those located in isolated areas surrounded by thick vegetation.
