Polaris Bank Manager Killed in Imo Kidnapping Attack at FUTO as Two Students Are Abducted
A Polaris Bank branch manager has been shot dead by suspected kidnappers at FUTO in Imo State, while two female students were reportedly abducted during the attack.
A branch manager of Polaris Bank has been killed by suspected kidnappers during an attack at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in Imo State, raising fresh concerns about security around the institution and its neighbouring communities.
The banker, identified in reports as Mr Ossy, was reportedly attacked on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while taking his children to the university, where they are students. His children reportedly escaped from the scene, but the bank manager was fatally shot.
Two female students were also reportedly abducted during the same incident, according to the university authorities. (Punch Newspapers)
Polaris Bank Confirms Manager’s Death
Polaris Bank confirmed the death of its branch manager and expressed condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones.
In a statement signed by the bank's Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, the financial institution said the manager was accosted by hoodlums while taking his children to the university.
The bank said the children managed to escape, but the manager was not as fortunate.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Branch Manager,” the bank said, while urging the public to allow the relevant authorities to complete their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The bank did not provide details on the motive for the attack or identify the perpetrators, describing them as hoodlums while investigations continue.
FUTO Confirms Fatal Shooting and Abduction
The management of FUTO separately confirmed that a visitor was fatally shot on the university campus during the incident.
The institution also confirmed that two female students were reportedly abducted by the attackers.
In a statement signed by the university's Registrar, Chinonso Uba, FUTO said it was engaging with the appropriate authorities concerning the incident and the safe recovery of the abducted students.
The university urged members of its community to remain calm and vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies. (Vanguard News)
The incident has generated concern among students, parents, staff and residents of communities surrounding the university.
Security Meeting with Imo Police Commissioner
Following the attack, FUTO management met with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, to discuss security concerns around the institution and its host communities.
According to reports, the police assured the university of intensified security operations around the campus and surrounding areas.
Particular attention was reportedly directed toward communities and areas including Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede, which form part of the wider environment around FUTO.
The increased security presence is intended to reassure students and staff while supporting efforts to track the perpetrators and secure the abducted students.
As of the latest reports, police had not publicly announced any arrests in connection with the killing or the reported abduction.
Attack Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of educational institutions and their surrounding communities in Imo State.
Universities are generally expected to provide a relatively secure environment for students, staff, parents and visitors. An armed attack taking place within a university campus therefore raises questions about access control, surveillance, patrols and the ability of security personnel to respond quickly to threats.
The reported abduction of two students has added to the concern.
For parents, the incident could heighten fears about the safety of students travelling to and from campuses, particularly in areas where kidnapping and other violent crimes have been reported.
FUTO management has consequently urged members of the university community to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Planned Student Protest Cancelled
The killing also reportedly generated plans for a peaceful student protest.
However, the proposed demonstration was cancelled after the university reaffirmed its existing restrictions on rowdy gatherings and activities capable of disrupting peace on campus.
FUTO has previously maintained restrictions on disorderly activities, including conduct that could obstruct roads and entrances, damage university property or threaten the security of the university community.
The management again warned students against actions that could create further security challenges following the latest incident.
The Human Cost of the Attack
Beyond the security implications, the killing represents a devastating loss for the banker's family.
According to reports, the deceased had been taking his children to the university when the attackers struck. His children reportedly escaped, but he was killed.
For Polaris Bank, the incident also represents the loss of a serving member of its management team.
The bank has called for the circumstances surrounding the attack to be fully established by law-enforcement authorities.
The incident has consequently left the family, colleagues and wider university community waiting for answers about who carried out the attack, why the banker was targeted and what happened to the two students reportedly taken by the gunmen.
Police Investigation Continues
Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and establish whether the killing was specifically linked to an attempted kidnapping or another criminal motive.
Authorities will also be expected to intensify efforts to locate the two abducted students.
At the time of the latest reports, the identities of the attackers had not been publicly established, and no arrests had been officially announced.
The absence of immediate arrests underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies, university authorities and residents of surrounding communities.
Broader Security Implications for Imo
The FUTO incident comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping and armed criminal activity in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
For Imo State, the attack places renewed pressure on security agencies to strengthen intelligence-led operations around schools, universities, major roads and residential communities.
The safety of students and visitors on university campuses is particularly important because parents and guardians must have confidence that their children can attend school without being exposed to avoidable risks.
For now, FUTO management says security measures are being strengthened in cooperation with law-enforcement authorities.
The killing of the Polaris Bank manager and the reported abduction of two students have nevertheless left the university community confronting a serious security challenge.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the recovery of the abducted students, the arrest of the perpetrators and the steps authorities will take to prevent another attack.