Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise..
A routine Sunday evening trip to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when suspected kidnappers launched a brazen attack on the campus, killing a bank manager and abducting two female students. The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the academic community and reignited urgent questions about the security of Nigeria's tertiary institutions.
The victim has been identified as Mr Ossy, a branch manager with Polaris Bank. According to multiple accounts, he had arrived at the university to drop off his children, who are students at the institution. While he was on campus, he was accosted by armed men. In a harrowing turn of events, his children managed to escape from the scene, but their father was not as fortunate. He was shot dead by the assailants. In the ensuing chaos, the gunmen also abducted two female students from the university.
Polaris Bank confirmed the tragic death of its branch manager, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, the bank's Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The bank stated that the matter is now with law enforcement agencies, and it appealed to the public to allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
The management of FUTO also acknowledged the attack, confirming that a visitor was fatally shot within the university premises and that two female students were reportedly abducted. In a statement signed by the Registrar, Chinonso Uba, the university said it is working with security agencies to secure the safe recovery of the abducted students and has implemented additional security measures in collaboration with the relevant authorities. The university urged members of its community to remain calm, vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity.
The attack has prompted a high-level response from security authorities. On Monday, September 7, FUTO's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, and other management officials met with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, to discuss the deteriorating security situation around the university. The police chief assured the university of intensified security operations around the institution and neighbouring communities, including Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede. The CP also directed the Area Commander Owerri and other tactical units to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students and apprehend the perpetrators.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made in connection with the killing or the abduction. The identities of the attackers and the whereabouts of the two abducted students remain unknown. The incident has left the university community in a state of fear and apprehension, with parents and students alike deeply concerned about their safety. The attack has also raised serious questions about how armed gunmen were able to operate within a university environment and escape after committing such a heinous crime. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the safe return of the abducted students and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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