Fresh concerns have emerged over the security of off-campus student residences in Ogun State after suspected gunmen abducted at least five students during a daring attack on a private hostel serving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), exposing what students describe as the vulnerability of hostels located in isolated communities with limited security presence.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening along Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo, reportedly lasted for about 30 minutes, during which heavily armed assailants fired several gunshots before escaping with their victims, raising questions about the response time of security agencies and the safety arrangements around tertiary institutions.

The Ogun State Police Command has since launched a coordinated rescue operation involving tactical police units, intelligence teams and other security agencies to secure the release of the abducted students and apprehend those behind the incident.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen invaded the private hostel at about 7:45 p.m., shooting indiscriminately to create panic before searching the premises.

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Students familiar with the incident disclosed that while some occupants escaped by breaking through the hostel’s POP ceiling and fleeing into neighbouring buildings, others were trapped and eventually taken away by the attackers.

Residents said the operation continued for nearly half an hour before the gunmen fled the area without resistance.

No fatalities were recorded during the attack, although several students reportedly sustained varying degrees of trauma.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the command immediately activated a joint security operation after receiving a distress call.

According to him, tactical police teams and intelligence assets were deployed alongside other security agencies to comb the area and pursue the kidnappers.

“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.

“Immediately the distress report was received, the Police and other security agencies activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,” Babaseyi stated.

He appealed to parents, students and residents to remain calm, urging them to avoid circulating unverified information capable of undermining the rescue efforts.

The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free emergency line or other police emergency numbers.

Students Confirm Five Victims

While the police said investigations were ongoing to establish the exact number of abducted persons, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic confirmed that five students were kidnapped during the attack.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as particularly vulnerable because of its isolated location.

According to the student leaders, the hostel is situated in a remote environment surrounded by dense vegetation, making it an attractive target for criminal gangs.

The union said the attackers fired several gunshots before forcing their way into the building, noting that while some students managed to escape through the ceiling, others were unable to flee before being abducted.

The SUG also appealed to the public to ignore exaggerated reports circulating on social media, warning that misinformation could heighten fear among students and their families.

The incident immediately disrupted academic activities at the institution.

Gateway ICT Polytechnic management announced the suspension of all examinations scheduled for Thursday, citing the security situation.

In a notice issued to students, the institution said Friday’s examinations would proceed as planned unless circumstances warranted further changes.

“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,” the notice read.

The latest abduction has renewed concerns over the growing insecurity around privately operated student hostels located outside many Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Security analysts note that off-campus accommodations often lack perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and adequate security personnel, making them easier targets for kidnappers and armed gangs.

The attack also raises broader questions about intelligence gathering, patrol coverage and emergency response in communities hosting higher institutions, particularly as kidnappings increasingly shift from highways to residential areas and educational environments.

For many parents and students, the incident has reinforced longstanding calls for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, hostel operators, host communities and security agencies to improve surveillance, strengthen rapid-response mechanisms and ensure safer living conditions for students residing off campus.

As rescue operations continue, anxious families await positive news while security agencies face mounting pressure to secure the safe release of the abducted students and prevent similar attacks in the future.