Following a fresh wave of violence targeting tertiary institutions, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on federal and state authorities to take immediate, sustained action to secure campuses nationwide.
The outrage follows a Wednesday night attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel along Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo. Five students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, were reportedly abducted during the raid, prompting the institution to suspend examinations on Thursday.
While the Ogun State Police Command has launched a joint rescue operation alongside other security agencies, officials noted that investigations are still ongoing to determine the precise number of victims.
This incident marks the second major security breach in the state within a matter of days. Earlier, an HND II student, Ahmed Sekinat, was killed and several others were injured during a robbery attack at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic in Itori.
Reacting to the escalating crisis in a statement issued on Friday, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde condemned the attacks, revealing that back-to-back incidents have left the regional student community living in fear and mourning.
NANS urged the police, the Department of State Services, the Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Army to deploy all necessary resources for an immediate, unconditional rescue. Beyond immediate operations, the apex student body demanded long-term preventive security measures both on and off campus.
To minimise future risks, the association urged governments to heavily fund affordable, campus-based housing, noting that off-campus living in remote private hostels leaves students unnecessarily vulnerable.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the abducted students and their families, and we hold firmly to the hope of their safe and immediate return,” the statement added.