Owerri, Imo State – A Polaris Bank branch manager, identified as Mr Ossy, was shot dead by suspected gunmen on Sunday, September 6, 2026, inside the campus of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). During the same attack, two female students were abducted by the fleeing attackers, according to statements from the bank and the university.
Bank Confirms Manager's Death and Details of Attack
Polaris Bank's Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, confirmed the banker's death in an official statement, as reported by The Punch. The bank said Mr Ossy had gone to the university to drop off his children, who are students at the institution, when armed hoodlums set upon him. His children managed to escape, but the manager was killed.
“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 statement read. “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.”
FUTO Confirms Killing and Abduction, Security Measures Announced
FUTO's Registrar, Chinonso Uba, issued a separate statement confirming that a visitor was fatally shot on campus and that two female students were taken by the attackers. The university said security agencies were investigating and that management was engaging with authorities to secure the safe return of the abducted students.
The institution urged students, staff, and parents to stay calm, avoid unnecessary movement, and report any suspicious activity. It also said additional security measures were being put in place alongside the relevant agencies.
Following the incident, FUTO management met on Monday with Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, who pledged intensified security around the university and its surrounding communities, including the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze, and Nekede areas.
Student Protest Called Off Over Security Concerns
A planned peaceful protest by students over the killing was called off after the university reaffirmed its ban on rowdy gatherings, particularly after examinations. The FUTO Senate had first imposed the ban at its 495th meeting on August 31, 2023, and again at its 501st meeting on April 29, 2024, citing damage to university property. The ban was reaffirmed at a management meeting held on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Prohibited conduct under the ban includes rowdy behaviour, public revelry, obstructing roads and entrances, and any activity that could threaten the security of the campus community.
As of the time this report was filed, police had not announced any arrests in connection with the killing or the abduction of the two students.
Related Incident: NOUN Bursar Shot Dead
In a separate incident, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) confirmed the death of its bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, in a shooting incident. Marafa was reportedly shot dead on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while returning from Gusau in Zamfara state. NOUN described Marafa as a dedicated administrator and said burial arrangements would be announced by his family.
