The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Council (JCC), has been inundated with several reports and conflicting narratives regarding the unfortunate security incident that occurred on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Following our preliminary findings and engagements with relevant stakeholders, we wish to clarify that at approximately 7:45 p.m., suspected armed bandits attacked a private student hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara. The hostel, which is situated in a relatively isolated area surrounded by thick vegetation, has long presented security concerns due to its location.
According to verified information available to NANS Ogun JCC, the attack lasted for about thirty minutes. During the incident, the assailants fired several gunshots, creating panic within the hostel. Thankfully, no student lost his or her life during the attack. Several students escaped by breaking through the POP ceiling, while others, unfortunately, were unable to escape before the attackers left the premises.
We can also confirm that five students were abducted during the incident. The matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, who have commenced coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the affected students.
NANS Ogun JCC strongly condemns this unfortunate attack and expresses its unwavering solidarity with the affected students, their families, and the entire Gateway ICT Polytechnic community during this difficult period.
We urge students, parents, guardians, members of the public, and media organizations to disregard false, exaggerated, and unverified reports currently circulating on social media. While the incident is indeed unfortunate, misinformation only creates unnecessary panic and may undermine ongoing security operations.
We therefore appeal to everyone to remain calm, obtain information only from credible and verified sources, and refrain from spreading rumours capable of causing fear or obstructing rescue efforts.
Furthermore, NANS Ogun JCC reiterates its call on the Ogun State Government and all security agencies to intensify security around tertiary institutions and their host communities. We also advise students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritize hostels located in secure and well-populated areas while avoiding isolated environments that expose them to unnecessary security risks.
We also want to call the attention of State government to kick start massive construction of Campus based Hostel at affordable prices for the students, this will also lessen the risk of life and properties
The safety and welfare of Nigerian students remain our utmost priority. We will continue to monitor developments closely, engage relevant authorities, and advocate until the abducted students are safely reunited with their families and lasting security measures are implemented across all tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected students and their families, and we remain hopeful for the safe return of those abducted.
