The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, has confirmed that five students were abducted following an attack by suspected armed bandits on a private student hostel.

In a joint statement signed by SUG President Comr. Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Comr. Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Comr. Amb. Matthew Francis Sonayon (Sonat), the union said the incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. at a hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara.

The hostel is located in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, which the SUG described as vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students. The attack lasted about 30 minutes. Because of the isolated location, nearby residents were unable to hear or respond in time.

The assailants fired gunshots during the assault, but no student was killed. Several students managed to escape through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee. Five students were taken by the attackers.

The matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies. The SUG expressed confidence that efforts are underway to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students.

The union urged students, parents, guardians and the public to ignore false, exaggerated and unverified reports circulating on social media. While acknowledging that the incident is real and deeply unfortunate, it said many of the circulating stories do not accurately reflect the facts and only fuel unnecessary fear and panic.

The SUG called on everyone to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from the institution, the Students’ Union Government and security agencies, and avoid spreading rumours that could hinder ongoing rescue and security operations.

It also advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritise hostels in secure, well-populated areas and avoid isolated locations that increase security risks.

The Students’ Union Government said it stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families and remains committed to working with school management and security agencies until the abducted students are safely reunited with their loved ones.

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned the President of the Borno State Youths Association (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, on terrorism charges before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kaigama, who was recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), had last week admitted during an interview on Channels Television that he held discussions with Boko Haram terrorists over alleged ransom payments for kidnapped victims.

Security sources said the secret police is in possession of strong evidence linking Kaigama to the extortion of families of the abducted persons.

Justice Ibrahim adjourned the case to September 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the self-styled youth leader remain in DSS custody.

At least 15 persons have been confirmed dead, with many others still unaccounted for, as suspected herdsmen launched unprovoked fresh attack on Efeyi community in Ugboju district of Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

It was learnt that the herdsmen invaded the community on Tuesday morning at about 9:30 am and started shooting sporadically thereby killing 15 villagers and Injured several others.

An eye witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented that the current situation in Efeyi in Ugboju district is very pathetic.

According to him, the attackers invaded the community at about 5:am in the morning and continued shooting till half passed 9am with no response from the security agencies.

He also alleged that even the Army and police that were stationed at Ugboju- Ogobia could not go to the community to assist in protecting the innocent citizens as a result of the sound of gunshots.

“What can we do to protect our people. All of us are currently helpless and vulnerable. Oh God help the souls of the innocent people being killed mercilessly in Efeyi Ugboju”, he said.

The executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), Prince Maxwell Ogiri equally confirmed that 14 dead bodies have been recovered so far, while many others who were wounded have been evacuated to hospital for immediate medical attention.

Ogiri who spoke on phone with journalists insisted that there was no provocation, adding that the attackers are just invading communities and are there to shed blood and kill innocent people.

“They have been attacking sporadically from different communities to the other in recent days.

The level of casualty increases day by day. I think even the day before yesterday to yesterday, one happened in one of these villages too, then this one today. They choose location at their will”, the chairman said.

Ogiri disclosed that the entire villagers are now afraid of staying in their communities, as there is great apprehension with people from neighboring communities fleeing their homes.

He confirmed that there are many security agencies including Mopol, Agro-rangers, military and Police, but craved for deployment of more security personnel in Otukpo axis.

The chairman appealed to the Benue State government to take a deliberate step towards enforcement of the anti-open grazing law as everything is tied to it.

He noted that the eviction notice given to the armed herders by the Och’Otukpo cannot hold because there is nobody to enforce it and so, people will continue to lament.

The Benue State Police command also confirmed the latest attack, saying that personnel have been deployed to the area.

The command’s police public relations officer PPRO DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incidence said” police are aware of an attack that occurred in a community during the early hours of today”.

“Police Officers have been deployed to the scene, they are taking necessary steps to restore calm and commence a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The situation is being closely monitored, further details will be made available as the investigation progresses and facts are established.Thank you”, Edet said in a text message.

Several communities in Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas have been under severe attacks by suspected armed herdsmen leading to many deaths, following the killing of the State chairman of Myietti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) month ago.