By Ado Oyeyemi
A branch manager of Polaris Bank, identified as Ossy, has been killed by suspected kidnappers who reportedly attacked him within the premises of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the banker, who was based in Owerri, reportedly drove to the university to drop off his children, who are students of the institution.
It was gathered that the gunmen accosted the banker and his children before opening fire. While his children reportedly escaped, Ossy was shot dead.
Two female students of the university were also said to have been abducted by the attackers during the incident.
Confirming the death, Polaris Bank, in a statement issued by its Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, expressed grief over the loss of its branch manager.
The bank said the incident happened while the deceased was taking his children to the university, adding that the children managed to escape from the scene.
The statement read in part, “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 unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday, when he was accosted by the hoodlums, and while the children managed to escape from the scene, he was not that lucky.
“We understand that the matter is being investigated by the relevant law enforcement agencies, and we trust that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly established.”
The management of FUTO also confirmed that a visitor was fatally shot on the university campus during the attack.
In a statement signed by the Registrar, Chinonso Uba, the institution disclosed that two female students were abducted during the incident.
The university said security agencies had commenced investigations into the attack and that efforts were being made to secure the release of the abducted students.
According to the statement, “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.
“Two female students were also reportedly abducted during the incident.
The circumstances are currently under investigation by the relevant security agencies, and management is engaging with the appropriate authorities regarding the safe recovery of the students.”
Following the attack, the university management met with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, on Monday to discuss the worsening security situation around the institution and neighbouring communities.
Bosso reportedly assured the university authorities that security would be strengthened around the campus and surrounding areas, including Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede.
Meanwhile, a source said plans by some students to stage a protest over the killing were shelved after the university management reiterated its prohibition of unruly gatherings following examinations.
The institution had previously banned activities such as rowdy celebrations, public revelry, obstruction of roads and entrances, littering and destruction of university property.
The management also renewed the warning at its meeting on Monday, urging students to avoid actions capable of threatening peace and security on campus.
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The police had yet to announce any arrest in connection with the killing and abduction as of the time of filing this report.
