Bank mourns as branch manager killed by kidnappers in Imo

A branch manager of Polaris Bank, identified as Mr Ossy, has been shot dead by suspected kidnappers after he reportedly resisted an attack within the premises of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening while the banker, who was based in Owerri, was reportedly taking his children to the university.

Two female students were also allegedly abducted by the fleeing gunmen during the incident.

Sources said the late banker had gone to drop off his children, who are students of FUTO, when he was accosted by the gunmen

However, the bank, in a statement signed by the Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, said the deceased was reportedly taking his children to the university, when he was attacked by hoodlums.

The bank said the children managed to escape from the scene, but the manager was not as fortunate.

“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.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased, and we respectfully urge the public to allow the authorities to complete their investigations,” the bank stated.

Meanwhile, the management of FUTO confirmed that a visitor was fatally shot within the university campus during the incident.

In a statement signed by the Registrar, Chinonso Uba, the institution stated that two female students were also abducted.

The statement read, “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

Management assures students, staff, parents and the entire university community that the safety and security of all members of the university community remain a top priority. Additional security measures are being implemented in collaboration with the relevant security agencies.

“Members of the University community are urged to remain calm and vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and promptly report any suspicious activity.

“Further information will be provided as appropriate.”

The incident prompted the FUTO management to meet with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, on Monday over the rising security concerns around the university and its host communities.

During the meeting, Bosso assured the university management of intensified security around the institution and neighbouring communities, particularly the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede axes.

Meanwhile, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity said a proposed peaceful protest by some students over the killing had been cancelled following the university’s reaffirmation of its ban on unruly and rowdy gatherings after examinations.

The FUTO Senate had, at its 495th and 501st meetings held on August 31, 2023, and April 29, 2024, respectively, banned all forms of senseless celebrations after examinations, citing wanton destruction of university property, particularly by graduating students.

The university management also reaffirmed the prohibition at its seventh meeting held on Monday, September 7, 2026, warning students against activities capable of disturbing the peace of the institution and its host communities.

The prohibited activities include rowdy behaviour, public revelry, disorderly conduct, littering, indiscriminate disposal of waste, blocking or obstructing roads and entrances, and damaging or defacing university property.

The management also warned against any conduct that could threaten the safety and security of the university community.

The police have yet to announce any arrest in connection with the killing and abduction as of the time of filing this report.