Owerri, Imo State — Two female students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), who were abducted during a security incident on campus, have been safely released and reunited with the university after several days in captivity.
The students were kidnapped on Sunday, September 6, 2026, along the stretch of road between the FUTO campus and Ihiagwa community. The abduction occurred during an attack in which a Polaris Bank branch manager, identified as Mr Ossy, was fatally shot by gunmen on the university premises.
In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Orakwe Ezugwu, the management confirmed the safe release of the two female students.
“The Management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has confirmed the safe release of the two female students, who were abducted during a security incident on campus on Sunday, September 6, 2026,” the statement read.
“The students are currently receiving medical care and psychological support at the University Medical Centre. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, has visited the students and interacted with them.”
FUTO management commended the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies for their prompt intervention that led to the students’ safe return. The university assured students, staff, parents and the wider university community that additional security measures are being sustained in collaboration with relevant security agencies.
Members of the university community were urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
The release brings relief to the FUTO community following days of anxiety over the students’ safety. Details of how the release was secured have not been publicly disclosed by the university or security agencies.
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