"They Threatened to Kill Us": Rescued Gateway ICT Students Recount 20-Million-Naira Ransom Ordeal

Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, have shared harrowing details of their abduction and subsequent rescue after a routine trip for food turned into a life-threatening encounter. The students—four men and one woman—were intercepted last week on the Isara-Ode road in Remo North by gunmen who used torchlights to mimic a police checkpoint. What followed was a traumatic journey into the thick bush that ended only after a high-stakes gun duel between security forces and the kidnappers.

The victims recounted how the gunmen, numbering about twelve, forced them out of their vehicle, a Toyota, and stole valuables including phones, jewelry, and even beverages. One student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described a grueling three-hour trek into the forest where they were held at gunpoint. "They acted like policemen," he said in a faint voice, "and at some point, they threatened to take our lives if we were unable to pay a ransom of 20 million naira each." The driver of the vehicle faced an even steeper demand of 40 million naira after being shot in the leg during the initial attack.

The students alleged that their captors were not strangers to the Remo North terrain, claiming the men had deep knowledge of the local community. The victims identified the kidnappers as Fulani men, noting a tense moment where the gunmen became "very mad" and pointed weapons directly at a student who used the ethnic label during a confrontation.

After the rescue, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic and the Student Union Government (SUG) expressed their gratitude to the police command for their timely intervention. CP Ojajuni has warned criminals in the state to "change their ways or face the wrath of the law," while urging school authorities to maintain constant communication with the local police to prevent future occurrences.

With the police now setting up posts closer to campuses, do you think this will be enough to deter kidnappers, or should schools be doing more to restrict student movement at night? Share your comments below!

Share to: