- Safiu Kehinde
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the rescue of the seven kidnapped students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade.
NPO Reported that suspected gunmen had last week stormed an off-campus hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo.
The armed men stormed the off-campus hostel and operated for about 30 minutes while firing gunshots indiscriminately.
They thereafter whisked away the victims.
The incident had forced the school to suspend all activities.
Meanwhile Abiodun would on Thursday announce the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
While the governor had earlier made the announcement in a press briefing, he further confirmed the development in a statement issued on his X handle.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to safety and security as he announced the release of the students.
‘The safety and security of our people remain the foundation upon which our vision for a prosperous Ogun State rests. Without security, our people cannot live, work, invest, and pursue their aspirations with confidence.
‘It is therefore with a deep sense of gratitude to Almighty God that we confirm the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
‘This outcome demonstrates what is possible through decisive leadership, intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained operational pressure.’ He said.
Abiodun further disclosed how the state government had mobilised all relevant security agencies to carry out the rescue mission.
He commended the security operatives over the development, adding that effort is ongoing to dismantle all the kidnapping networks in the state.
‘From the moment the incident was reported, we mobilised the relevant security agencies and subsequently strengthened the operation with aerial surveillance to complement the intensive ground efforts.
‘We commend the courage and professionalism of all the security personnel involved, as well as our traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilantes, local hunters, and residents who supported the operation with useful intelligence.
‘Our work, however, is not finished. Operations are continuing to bring everyone connected with this criminal enterprise to justice and dismantle the networks that enable such crimes.’ He said.
Abiodun held that his administration remains resolute in its commitment to strengthening Ogun State’s security architecture.
‘Our message to criminal elements is unequivocal: there will be no safe haven for criminality anywhere in Ogun State.
‘Together, we will continue to protect our people, preserve the peace of our communities, and sustain Ogun State as a safe destination for residents, visitors, businesses, and investors.’ He added.