Suspected Armed Robbers Strike Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade Again: One Student Killed, Nine Injured

Armed robbers have once again targeted students of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade, resulting in the loss of one student’s life and injuries to nine others. This grim incident follows closely on the heels of the Ogun State Police Command’s announcement of the apprehension of three individuals linked to a previous robbery and assault on the polytechnic’s students.

Despite the arrests, the assailants returned to strike the off-campus hostels housing students in Ode, Ipara, and Isara, neighboring communities to Sapaade. Particularly alarming is the fact that the latest attack occurred just a week after both students of the institution and local residents protested against the earlier incidents of robbery and sexual assault on female students.

The targeted students had previously compelled the management to temporarily close the institution for three days, aiming to restore normalcy following the protests. Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, engaged with student leaders in response to the rising tension in the affected communities.

Videos circulating on Instagram reveal the aftermath of the attack in the Larufi area of Ode, displaying shattered doors, broken windows, and bullet-riddled walls. Despite these distressing visuals, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola did not respond to inquiries at the time of reporting, and the institution’s Head of Public Relations, Adedayo Folorunsho, refrained from commenting on the situation, emphasizing the importance of allowing security agencies to carry out their duties.

The repeated nature of these attacks underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and comprehensive action to protect the student community of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade.