Robbery attack: Gateway Poly shuts down amid security concerns
By Sodiq Adelakun
The administration of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, has declared a temporary shutdown of the institution due to a series of violent robberies that have put its students at risk.
The decision, announced on Monday, mandates a two-week suspension of academic activities as the school grapples with the safety crisis. Recent reports have revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal activity targeting the polytechnic’s students.
The assailants, armed and increasingly aggressive, have been involved in multiple incidents of theft, and in some cases, sexual assault against female students. The situation escalated over the weekend when another robbery turned tragic.
A student lost their life, and approximately nine others sustained injuries in the confrontation with the robbers.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the violence that has plagued the student community, with at least three reported attacks in the past fortnight alone, affecting not only the polytechnic but also the surrounding Isara, Ipara, and Ode areas.
The institution’s management, prioritising the safety of its students and staff, has urged the student body to remain off-campus during this period. Efforts to address the security issues are expected to be underway as the local authorities have been alerted to the severity of the situation.
The community eagerly awaits a resolution that will restore peace and allow for the safe resumption of academic pursuits.
Angered by the incessant attacks, the students last week staged a protest to express their grievances.
The situation has, however, forced the management to shut down the school pending when normalcy is restored.
The President of the Students’ Union Government of the Polytechnic, Olatunji Alexander, also confirmed this development on Monday.
In a memo signed by the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, J. O. Popoola, the school management announced the introduction of online classes for the students who just resumed for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The memo reads, “I have the directive of management to inform all students in the polytechnic that all physical lectures have been suspended on campus for the next two weeks with effect from Monday, December 4, 2023.
“Given this development, all students are to note that online lectures have commenced with immediate effect, therefore students are directed to join online classes to continue lectures for the current semester.
“To this end, all students are to steer clear of the polytechnic premises till physical lectures resume again at a date that will be communicated soon.”
