Suspected gunmen have abducted at least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), after attacking a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the armed assailants stormed a hostel located along Paraga Road, a community bordering the institution. Witnesses said the attackers operated for about 30 minutes, firing gunshots before whisking away several occupants.

In response to the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice issued to students, the institution said Thursday's examinations had been cancelled due to the incident, while Friday's examinations would proceed as planned unless otherwise communicated.

Students were urged to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations, with the management expressing hope that the situation would soon be resolved.

The Students' Union Government (SUG) 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 hostel as being located in a remote, bushy area that exposes residents to security risks.

According to the statement, the attack began at about 7:45 p.m. and lasted for roughly 30 minutes. The union said the isolated location prevented nearby residents from responding quickly to the sound of gunfire.

It added that while several students managed to escape through the ceiling, others were trapped and unable to flee.

"We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident. The matter has officially been 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 statement read.

The SUG also appealed to students, parents, guardians and the public to ignore false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media, stressing that while the attack was real and unfortunate, many online accounts did not accurately reflect the facts and only fueled panic.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had launched a coordinated rescue operation but noted that the identities and exact number of victims were still being verified.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said tactical teams and intelligence operatives were immediately deployed to the area following the distress call, with bush-combing and other targeted operations ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

He urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing security operations.

The latest abduction comes barely 24 hours after a final-year female Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was killed during an overnight robbery in the Eruku area of the community, raising fresh concerns over the security of students in Ogun State.