Fear has gripped students in Ogun State again after gunmen attacked a private hostel and abducted five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
The National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the attack on Friday, calling it the latest sign that schools are no longer safe.
In a statement signed by NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, the student body said it received the news “with deep sorrow and serious concern.” According to NANS, armed men stormed a private hostel on Paraga Road in Ipara on Wednesday night, July 29, and took away five students.
This is the second attack in Ogun State in less than a week. Days earlier, gunmen also attacked D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic in Itori. During that robbery, an HND II student, Miss Ahmed Sekinat, was killed and several others were injured.
“As the main body representing Nigerian students both at home and abroad, we totally reject this attack on the safety of students,” NANS said. “It is painful and unacceptable that two schools in one state have been hit by violent criminals within days. Now students are living in fear and grief.”
The association stressed that learning should not come with danger.
“Education is a right. No student should have to risk their life to get an education. We cannot keep quiet while our campuses turn into places for kidnapping and crime. The safety of students must come first,” the statement read.
NANS is calling on the Federal Government, the Ogun State Government, the Nigeria Police, DSS, Civil Defence, the Army and all other security agencies to act fast. The group wants them to use every resource available to rescue the abducted students immediately and without conditions.
Beyond the rescue, NANS said government must stop making promises after every attack. It urged authorities to put real and lasting security measures in place both on and off campus.
The association also asked government to invest in affordable hostels inside campuses. According to NANS, having more students live on campus will reduce the risk they face in private hostels located in remote areas.
“We will not back down until the abducted students are found and brought home safely,” NANS said. “We will keep speaking up, monitoring the situation, and engaging government at all levels until concrete security is provided for students nationwide.”
The group added that its thoughts and prayers are with the kidnapped students and their families, and expressed hope for their quick and safe return.
The attack has already disrupted academic activities at Gateway ICT Polytechnic. The school postponed exams scheduled for Thursday, while the Ogun State Police Command said a joint rescue operation is ongoing.