Banker Shot Dead Resisting Kidnappers at FUTO; 2 Female Students Abducted

A banker was shot dead on Sunday while attempting to resist kidnappers who attacked a family at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, in Imo State.

While the deceased’s two sons escaped, two female students were abducted by the attackers.

The incident, which occurred on September 6, 2026, around the NDDC Hostel and the university’s East Gate, has renewed concerns over the safety of students, staff and residents in and around the institution.

The deceased was identified as Osita Onuoha, a banker and Branch Manager of Polaris Bank in Owerri. He was reportedly at FUTO to drop off his two sons, who are students of the university, when suspected kidnappers confronted them.

Sources said the two boys managed to escape during the encounter.

Their father, however, confronted the assailants in an attempt to help his children escape. He was reportedly shot several times before the attackers fled with two female students.

The abducted students were identified as Igwegbe Chioma Lilian, popularly known as Omah, a 2025 FUTO graduate, and Spencer Jennifer Adaeze, a 300-level Optometry student.

Their abduction has caused anxiety among their families, friends and members of the university community.

Conflicting accounts have, however, emerged over their whereabouts. While a source within the university said the two students had been released, another source maintained that they remained in captivity.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, in a statement, welcomed the reported safe release of the abducted female students and commended security agencies and others whose efforts contributed to their rescue.

Describing their safe return as a relief to families and the university community, the group urged authorities not to allow the students’ release to overshadow recurring security threats around FUTO.

RULAAC called for sustained and coordinated measures to prevent further kidnappings and violent attacks.

The group’s statement coincided with reports that the abductors demanded N100 million as ransom, although the claim could not be independently verified.

Obinna Collins Onuoha, who described himself as the deceased’s only blood brother, expressed grief over his death in a Facebook post.

“My only blood brother is gone!!! Shot and killed while taking his children back to FUTO. Who did this to us? Killed before his sons!! What a wicked world. Your killers will never go free! Rest in peace, my blood,” he wrote.

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, FUTO branch, Dr. Chinedu Ihejirika, attributed part of the security challenges to the absence of a complete perimeter fence around the institution.

“The security challenge we have is that FUTO is not walled off and this has given rise to insecurity. But it did not start today. Many vice-chancellors of the university had called for the perimeter fencing of the institution,” he said.

Ihejirika recalled that during the tenure of either Prof. Asiabaka or Prof. Francis Eze, portions of the university were fenced. He alleged that hoodlums later pulled down sections of the fence and carted away materials.

He said securing FUTO requires collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, residents and other stakeholders.

Ihejirika also commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, for engaging security agencies over the situation.

Following the attack, the university management led by the Vice-Chancellor visited the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, to raise concerns over the safety of students and staff.

The delegation also sought police assistance in securing the safe recovery of the abducted students.

The commissioner reportedly assured the management of the command’s commitment to securing the institution and working towards the safe recovery of the students. He added that operatives were tracking the perpetrators.

Ihejirika also linked the security concerns to the poor condition of roads around the university, particularly routes leading to the East Gate where the incident occurred.

“Our roads are completely damaged. From Obinze Junction to FUTO is damaged, likewise the Back Gate or East Gate where the incident happened,” he said.

He appealed to the Imo State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and FUTO alumni to collaborate on road rehabilitation.

He also expressed concern over thick bushes surrounding parts of the university, saying they could provide hiding places for criminals.

Residents living around FUTO have called for urgent measures to address insecurity in the area.

They urged the state and federal governments and security agencies to clear overgrown bushes, rehabilitate access roads, increase patrols and complete the perimeter fencing of the institution.

“Securing FUTO is not only about protecting students and staff but also the thousands of residents who live and operate businesses around the university,” one resident said.

The latest incident has heightened calls for intensified security operations around FUTO as families await clarity on the whereabouts of the two students.