Ogun Says Seven Abducted Polytechnic Students Rescued

Ogun State says seven abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, have been rescued alive after a joint security operation.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the rescue at the state secretariat in Abeokuta, saying the state activated a security response after receiving reports of the abduction.

Premium Times reported that the students were rescued in the early hours of Thursday and that one victim who sustained a gunshot injury had been taken for treatment and stabilised.

Punch reported that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested, while security operatives continued searching for other members of the gang. The outlet said the operation involved the police, the armed forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters.

Daily Trust reported that the victims were abducted from a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, and that they were rescued in two batches with support from a police helicopter. The paper also reported the police as saying no ransom was paid.

Abiodun said the state would continue security operations in the affected corridor and adjoining forests until those connected to the abduction were identified and prosecuted.

Sources: Premium Times, Punch and Daily Trust.