A visitor to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri was fatally shot and two female students were abducted after attackers entered the campus on Sunday, September 6, 2026, prompting a stepped-up security response by state police and university officials. Polaris Bank identified the deceased as Mr Ossy, the branch manager in Owerri, and said he died after gunmen accosted him while he was dropping his children at the campus perimeter. The children escaped.
Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank, expressed the bank’s sorrow and asked the public to allow investigators to work. He added, the manager “was not that lucky.” The bank’s statement continued, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Branch Manager and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The university confirmed the incident in a release signed by Registrar Chinonso Uba. “The management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri is deeply saddened by the tragic security incident that occurred on the university campus on Sunday, September 6, 2026, during which a visitor to the university was fatally shot,” the statement said. It added, “Two female students were also reportedly abducted,” and said the institution is working with security agencies on the students’ safe recovery.
FUTO management met Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso on Monday to press for stronger protection. Bosso told officials security would be intensified around the campus and nearby communities, especially the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede axes. The university also restated a standing ban on rowdy gatherings after examinations, rules first set by the senate at its 495th and 501st meetings on August 31, 2023, and April 29, 2024, and reaffirmed at the university’s seventh meeting on September 7, 2026.
Authorities had not announced any arrests at the time of filing. Polaris Bank and FUTO said they are cooperating with law enforcement and urged the public to let investigators establish the full circumstances. Students were warned to remain vigilant and to avoid unnecessary movement while security measures are increased on and off campus.
