Efforts ongoing to rescue abducted Ogun Gateway ICT poly students: Police

Gunmen have reportedly abducted some students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, following an attack on their residence in Ipara, Remo North Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The Ogun State police command confirmed the abduction, saying security agencies have launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
In a statement on Thursday, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command’s spokesman, said the incident occurred at a private hostel in Ipara on Wednesday.
“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,” he said.
He said that immediately after 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,” Mr Babaseyi said.
The command appealed to parents, students, and the general public to remain calm and disregard any misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operations.
In a statement on Thursday, Matthew Francis Sonayon, the spokesperson for the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, said five students were abducted from their hostel in a remote area.
He said, “At approximately 7:45 p.m., suspected armed bandits attacked a private student hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara. The attack lasted for approximately 30 minutes.
“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.”
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