The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, has confirmed the abduction of five students following an attack by suspected armed bandits on a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara.
In a joint statement signed by SUG President, Comrade Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy; General Secretary, Comrade Salau Boluwaduro Saidat; and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ambassador Matthew Francis Sonayon (Sonat), the union said the attack occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday.
The SUG explained that the private hostel is located in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable to security threats and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students.
According to the statement, “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 union disclosed that the attack lasted for about 30 minutes, noting that the isolated location of the hostel prevented nearby residents from hearing or responding to the incident in time.
It added: “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.”
Confirming the number of students affected, the SUG said: “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 union urged students, parents, guardians and members of the public to ignore unverified reports circulating on social media, insisting that while the incident was genuine, many online accounts were inaccurate.
It said: “The Students’ Union Government urges all students, parents, guardians, and members of the public to disregard the false, exaggerated, and unverified information being circulated on various social media platforms. 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 SUG also appealed for calm, urging members of the public to rely only on verified information from the institution, the Students’ Union Government and relevant security agencies.
It stated: “We encourage everyone to remain calm, rely only on verified information from the institution, the Students’Union Government, and relevant security agencies, and avoid spreading rumours that may interfere with ongoing rescue and security operations.”
The union further advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritise hostels in secure and well-populated areas, while avoiding isolated locations that could expose them to security risks.
It said: “Furthermore, we strongly advise students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritize hostels located in secure and well-populated environments, while avoiding isolated locations that may expose them to security risks.”
Reaffirming its support for the affected students and their families, the SUG pledged to continue working with the institution’s management and security agencies until the abducted students are rescued.
The statement added: “The Students’ Union Government stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families. We remain committed to working closely with the school management and security agencies until the abducted students are safely reunited with their loved ones.”
It concluded with a prayer for the safe return of the abducted students, saying: “We pray for the speedy and safe return of our colleagues.”
Boluwatife Enome
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