A Polaris Bank branch manager identified as Mr Ossy has been shot dead by suspected kidnappers on the campus of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, while reportedly resisting an attack.
Two female students of the university were also abducted by the gunmen during the incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, September 6, 2026.
The banker, who was based in Owerri, was reportedly on campus to drop off his children when the armed men attacked. His children managed to escape from the scene, but Ossy was fatally shot during the encounter.
Polaris Bank confirmed the killing in a statement signed by its Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa.
The bank said its manager was attacked by hoodlums while bringing his children to the university, adding that although the children escaped from the scene, their father was not as fortunate.
According to the bank, the matter had been handed over to law enforcement authorities, while members of the public were urged to allow security agencies to conduct their investigation.
FUTO management also confirmed the incident, stating that a visitor to the university was fatally shot during the attack and that two female students were abducted.
In a statement signed by the university Registrar, Chinonso Uba, the institution said it was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe recovery of the abducted students.
The university also pledged to strengthen security measures within the campus and surrounding communities following the incident.
The development prompted a meeting on Monday between FUTO management and the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso.
During the meeting, the police commissioner reportedly assured the university management that security around the institution and neighbouring communities, including Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede, would be intensified.
The killing and abduction also sparked plans by some students to stage a protest on campus. However, the planned demonstration was called off after the university management reaffirmed its prohibition of rowdy post-examination gatherings.
FUTO said the restriction, originally adopted by the university Senate in 2023 and 2024, was restated at a management meeting on September 7.
The prohibition covers disorderly gatherings, road blockages, littering and destruction of university property.
The university urged students to remain calm and cooperate with security authorities as efforts continue to locate and rescue the two abducted students.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrest had been officially announced in connection with the killing of the Polaris Bank manager or the abduction of the two students.