Students abduction: FUTO VC visits Imo CP, seeks security beef up within campus

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Prof.Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, has paid an emergency visit to Imo State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso, seeking security beef up around the institution following the abduction of two students and killing of one Mr. Ossy Onuoha within the campus.

Onuoha, said to be a bank manager, was shot by gunmen while taking his children back to school.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the meeting focused on the security situation within FUTO and its environs, and broader security concerns affecting the university community.

Receiving the Vice Chancellor and his management team, CP Bosso said that the command acknowledged reported security concerns along the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede axes, including kidnapping and cult-related activities.

He assured the delegation that the command had intensified security measures along the affected areas and was taking steps to address the identified threats.

The police commissioner disclosed that he had also met with stakeholders from the Nekede axis on 3 September 2026, where similar security concerns were discussed.

Bosso noted that regular engagement with host communities was important for strengthening cooperation with the police and obtaining timely and actionable information to prevent and combat crime.

On the recent abduction, CP Bosso stated that the command was intensifying efforts to rescue of the two abducted students and apprehend those responsible.

He expressed sadness over the death of the victim and prayed for the repose of the his soul.

The CP consequently directed the Area Commander, Owerri; DPO Ihiagwa; Commander VCRU and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the police commissioner for receiving the delegation and for the measures being taken to strengthen security around FUTO.

He called for sustained police support and closer cooperation between the command and the university management.

The CP also used the visit to reiterate that security is a collective responsibility and urged students, staff, residents and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible and actionable information that could assist in preventing or responding to criminal activities.

He assured that the Command would continue to work closely with the FUTO management and the host communities to strengthen security and maintain peace within and around the university, in line with the Nigeria Police Force Safe School Initiative.