- FUTO Confirms September 6 Attack As Police Intensify Security Around University And Host Communities
By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
OWERRI, IMO STATE — A Polaris Bank branch manager, Mr Osita Onuoha, has been shot dead during an attack at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), while two female students were reportedly abducted in the same incident.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening, September 6, 2026, throwing the university community into panic and renewing concerns over the safety of students, staff, parents and visitors around the institution.
According to accounts surrounding the incident, Onuoha, who was based in Owerri, had gone to FUTO to take or drop off his children when he was confronted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. His children reportedly escaped, while the banker was fatally shot.
Polaris Bank confirmed the death of its staff member in a statement signed by its Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa. The bank said Onuoha was attacked by hoodlums while taking his children to the university, expressing grief over the incident and urging the public to remain calm as security agencies investigate.
FUTO Management also confirmed that a visitor to the university was fatally shot on Sunday, while two female students were reportedly abducted during the attack. In a statement signed by the University Registrar, Chiedozie Uba, the institution said it was working with security authorities to secure the safe recovery of the students.
The university further assured students, staff, parents and other members of its community that additional security measures were being put in place following the incident.
The development prompted an urgent security meeting between FUTO Management and the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, on Monday, September 7.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, led members of the university management to the police command headquarters, where both sides discussed measures to strengthen security around the university and neighbouring communities.
CP Bosso reportedly acknowledged security concerns along the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede axes, particularly regarding kidnapping and cult-related activities. He assured the university management of intensified police operations and stronger security presence in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, a family member of the deceased has taken to social media to mourn Onuoha, describing him as his only blood brother. In an emotional Facebook post, Obinna Collins Onuoha said the banker was killed while taking his children back to FUTO and alleged that the shooting occurred in the presence of his sons.
The family account has deepened the grief surrounding the incident, although the exact circumstances of the shooting and the identities of the attackers remain under investigation.
The incident has also heightened tension on campus, prompting FUTO Management to reiterate its restrictions against disorderly post-examination gatherings, road blockades, littering, vandalism and destruction of university property.
As of Wednesday, September 9, there had been no official announcement of an arrest in connection with the September 6 attack. The whereabouts of the two abducted female students also remained a major concern as security agencies continued efforts to locate and rescue them.
The attack has once again placed security around FUTO and its host communities under scrutiny, with growing calls for stronger surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to protect students and other members of the university community.
Meanwhile, the porosity of the school has raised concern for immediate deployment of armed security personnel to FUTO and the commencement of perimeter fencing of the University without further delay. Lingering cases of purported land acquisition by FUTO and reported encroachment by host communities have to be resolved head on. This moves will usher in massive development and security be restored in the area.
Late Osita Onuoha hails from Mbaise Imo State.
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