By: Austin Okoro – Owerri.
Tragedy struck the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), on Sunday evening when suspected kidnappers opened fire on a Polaris Bank branch manager, identified as Mr. Ossy, killing him during an attack on the university campus.
The banker, who was based in Owerri, was reportedly on campus to drop off his children when the gunmen launched the attack. According to accounts, his children managed to escape the scene, but their father was fatally shot after reportedly resisting the attackers.
In the same incident, the gunmen allegedly abducted two female students, sending fresh panic across the university community.
Polaris Bank confirmed the killing in a statement signed by its Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa. The bank said the manager was attacked by hoodlums while bringing his children to the campus, adding that although the children escaped, their father was not as fortunate.
The bank appealed for calm and urged the public to allow security agencies to conduct their investigation.
FUTO management also confirmed the deadly incident, stating that a visitor to the university was shot dead on September 6, while two female students were abducted.
In a statement signed by the university Registrar, Chinonso Uba, management said it was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted students. It also promised to strengthen security across the campus and neighbouring communities.
