OWERRI: Polaris Bank has expressed grief over the killing of one of its branch managers, identified as Mr Ossy, who was reportedly shot dead by suspected kidnappers at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State.
The banker, who was based in Owerri, was attacked on Sunday evening, September 6, 2026, while reportedly taking his children to the university.
The incident also resulted in the alleged abduction of two female students by the gunmen.
According to sources, the deceased had gone to the university campus to drop off his children, who are students of FUTO, when he was accosted by the suspected kidnappers.
The attackers reportedly opened fire during the confrontation, killing the banker before fleeing the area.
Polaris Bank, in a statement signed by its Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, confirmed the death and expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues.
The bank said the incident occurred while the branch manager was being attacked by hoodlums, adding that his children were able to escape from the scene.
“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 bank stated.
According to the financial institution, the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
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 statement added.
The bank also appealed to members of the public to allow security agencies to complete their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The management of FUTO separately confirmed that a visitor was fatally shot on the university campus during the security incident.
In a statement signed by the university’s Registrar, Chinonso Uba, the institution said two female students were also reportedly abducted during the attack.
Management 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 university stated.
It added that the circumstances of the attack remained under investigation and that security agencies were working to establish what happened and secure the safe recovery of the abducted students.
The university management said it was engaging with relevant authorities and implementing additional security measures to protect students, staff and other members of the university community.
It urged students and other members of the university community to remain calm and vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The attack has heightened concerns about security around FUTO and neighbouring communities.
Following the incident, FUTO management met with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, on Monday to discuss the growing security concerns around the institution.
During the meeting, the police commissioner reportedly assured the university management that security would be intensified around the university and surrounding communities.
The areas identified for increased security included Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the situation said a proposed peaceful protest by some students over the killing was cancelled after the university management reaffirmed its ban on unruly and rowdy gatherings following examinations.
The university had previously banned celebrations and other activities considered disruptive after examinations.
The FUTO Senate adopted the ban at its 495th and 501st meetings held on August 31, 2023, and April 29, 2024, respectively.
The institution had cited the destruction of university property, particularly during post-examination celebrations by graduating students, as part of the reasons for the restriction.
The latest incident has nevertheless renewed calls for stronger security measures around the university and its host communities, particularly amid concerns over the safety of students, staff, visitors and residents in the area.
