The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the immediate rescue of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, who were abducted during an attack on their private hostel, warning that rising insecurity around tertiary institutions has become a serious threat to education.
In a statement issued on Friday, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, expressed deep concern over the incident and appealed to the Federal Government, the Ogun State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the safe release of the victims.
The association described the kidnapping as another alarming indication of the deteriorating security situation facing students across the country.
According to NANS, the students were abducted after armed men invaded a private hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara, on Wednesday night.
The student body noted that the incident occurred only days after another violent attack at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, where an HND II student, Ahmed Sekinat, was killed during a robbery, while several other students sustained injuries.
It said the two incidents, occurring within a short period in the same state, have heightened fear among students and raised fresh concerns over campus security.
“As the umbrella body representing Nigerian students at home and abroad, we strongly condemn this unacceptable attack on the safety and welfare of our members,” the statement said.
“It is disturbing that within just a few days, two tertiary institutions in Ogun State have witnessed serious security breaches that have left students living in fear.”
The association maintained that students should not be exposed to danger while pursuing their education.
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“Education is a fundamental right, and no student should have to sacrifice personal safety in order to learn. Campuses and their surrounding communities must not become safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal elements. The security of students must remain a priority,” it added.
NANS called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students without delay.
The association stressed that authorities should not only focus on rescue operations but also implement long-term measures to prevent similar attacks on tertiary institutions.
“We urge security agencies to deploy every available resource to ensure the unconditional release of the abducted students while strengthening security around campuses to prevent future occurrences,” the statement said.
NANS also argued that repeated assurances from government officials after security incidents were no longer sufficient, insisting that students deserve practical and sustained protection.
The association further urged governments at all levels to invest in affordable on-campus accommodation, noting that many students are forced to live in isolated private hostels where they are more vulnerable to attacks.
According to the group, expanding hostel facilities within campuses would significantly reduce the security risks associated with off-campus residences.
NANS pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until the kidnapped students regain their freedom and more effective security measures are put in place across tertiary institutions nationwide.
“Our thoughts remain with the abducted students and their families. We pray for their safe return and will continue to press for stronger measures that guarantee the safety of every Nigerian student,” the statement concluded.
The attack reportedly forced Gateway ICT Polytechnic to suspend its scheduled examinations on Thursday as security agencies launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims.
While the institution’s Students’ Union Government stated that five students were kidnapped, the Ogun State Police Command said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact number of those abducted.
