The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government, the Ogun State Government and security agencies to secure the immediate release of students abducted from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. The appeal followed the attack on a private hostel along Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo on Wednesday night, where suspected gunmen kidnapped several students.
In a statement issued on Friday by its president, Akinteye Babatunde, the student body described the incident as another troubling case of insecurity affecting tertiary institutions across the country. It said the attack had left students in Ogun State worried about their safety.
NANS also referred to another recent security incident at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, where an HND II student, Ahmed Sekinat, lost her life during a robbery attack, while several others sustained injuries. The association said the two incidents within a short period had created fear among students.
The association maintained that students should be able to pursue their education without facing threats to their lives. It said learning environments must remain safe and free from criminal activities such as kidnapping and violent attacks.
NANS urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to work together and use every available resource to rescue the abducted students safely. It also called for stronger security measures around campuses to prevent future attacks.
The student body stated that rescue efforts alone would not solve the problem. It urged the authorities to introduce lasting security plans that would protect students both on and off campus. According to the association, repeated assurances after every attack are no longer enough, and practical action is needed to improve campus safety.
NANS further appealed to governments at all levels to invest in affordable hostels within school premises. It said many students are forced to stay in private accommodations located far from campus, making them more vulnerable to criminal attacks.
The association pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until the abducted students regain their freedom and stronger security measures are put in place across tertiary institutions nationwide. It also expressed hope that the victims would return safely to their families.
The attack led Gateway ICT Polytechnic to suspend its Thursday examinations, while the Ogun State Police Command launched a joint rescue operation with other security agencies.
Although the institution’s Students’ Union Government said five students were abducted, the police said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact number of victims.