August 6, 2026 | 8:33 PM
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced the rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were kidnapped last week.
Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying two suspected kidnappers have been arrested while the manhunt for others continues.
According to the governor, a joint team of the Police, Army, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, vigilantes and hunters carried out the rescue in two phases.
“Five victims were rescued in the first phase and reunited with their families after medical attention. The remaining two were rescued in a follow-up operation involving a police helicopter and ground forces,” he said.
Abiodun said one of the students sustained a gunshot injury and has been stabilised in hospital.
He added that aerial surveillance was deployed after he requested the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen ground operations on August 3.
The governor declined to reveal the rescue location, citing ongoing operations. He vowed that kidnappers would have no hiding place in the state.
State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, confirmed that no ransom was paid. He said the two suspects in custody are cooperating with investigators.
NANS welcomed the rescue and commended the governor and security agencies. The student body had earlier given a 72-hour ultimatum over rising insecurity in Ogun tertiary institutions.
The abduction occurred late on July 29 at a private hostel in Ipara Remo. The incident came days after a student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori was shot dead during a robbery on July 27.
