Ogun polytechnic security summit addressed rising attacks, kidnappings and robberies targeting students in host communities

The management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic in Saapade, Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Thursday convened a major security summit to confront the growing wave of insecurity affecting students in surrounding communities.

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The summit followed recent violent incidents, including the killing of a student during a suspected armed robbery attack and the abduction of five students who were later rescued by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command.

Held inside the institution’s boardroom, the third edition of the summit brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials, youth groups, community leaders and student representatives to discuss lasting solutions to the worsening security situation.

Speaking during the gathering, the Rector of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sanni Kehinde, described insecurity within the institution’s host communities as an urgent and critical concern.

Sanni Kehinde said the summit was organised to address threats affecting Ode-Remo, Isara-Remo and Ipara-Remo communities.

“In recent times, the issue of security has become a matter of urgent concern. This reality calls for proactive engagement, collective responsibility, and strategic collaboration,” the rector said.

“Today’s summit is not just another gathering; it is a platform for dialogue, awareness, and solution-driven conversations.”

The institution’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Adedayo Musari, revealed disturbing figures linked to attacks on students in the affected communities.

According to Adedayo Musari, a student was killed during a suspected robbery attack on Saturday after armed men reportedly shot through the door of a hostel room.

He explained that the bullet struck the student in the chest before the attackers allegedly shot him again in the leg as he attempted to flee.

“Last week, kidnappers abducted five of our students, but thank God that the police were able to rescue them the following day,” Musari said.

He added that between 2009 and 2026, Ipara recorded 15 robbery cases with two students killed, Isara recorded 32 robbery incidents with five student deaths, while Ode recorded 58 robbery attacks resulting in the deaths of 16 students.

The Ogun polytechnic security summit also heard calls for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb the violence.

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Dare Odufowokan, urged communities to establish security committees and regulate the movement of scavengers and hunters, particularly at night.

Chairman of the Ode-Remo Development Council, Olufunso Afolabi, warned that repeated attacks on students had created fear and reputational damage for both the communities and the institution.

Olufunso Afolabi recommended deploying additional security personnel to student-dominated areas, improving street lighting and installing surveillance systems in identified black spots.

Representatives of the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, traditional institutions and student leaders also contributed recommendations aimed at strengthening safety across the affected communities.

The summit comes amid mounting concern over attacks targeting students in tertiary institutions across Ogun State.

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Last month, gunmen reportedly attacked students of the College of Engineering at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ibogun, injuring several students and stealing valuables, including phones and a vehicle.