Security has been stepped up around the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) following the abduction of two students and the death of another victim in the university’s host communities.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, gave the assurance when he received FUTO Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, and members of the university management at the Command Headquarters.
The meeting focused on growing security concerns around FUTO and neighbouring communities, particularly the Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Nekede axes. Officials also discussed recent incidents, including the September 6 abduction of two students and a related death, as well as concerns over reported cult-related activities in the area.
CP Bosso said the police had intensified patrols and security operations across the affected areas. He noted that the Command had also met stakeholders from Nekede on September 3 as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and improve the flow of timely security information.
The commissioner said the police were working to rescue the abducted students and arrest those responsible. He directed the Area Commander Owerri, Divisional Police Officer in Ihiagwa, Commander of the VCRU and Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations, while withholding specific operational details to avoid compromising the investigation.
Bosso also expressed sympathy to the families, friends and members of the university community over the death recorded during the incident. He assured FUTO management that the police would continue working with the university and surrounding communities under the Nigeria Police Force Safe School Initiative.
Prof. Dozie thanked the commissioner for receiving the university delegation and responding to its security concerns. He called for sustained police presence and closer cooperation between FUTO and security agencies to protect students, staff and residents.
The commissioner urged students, university staff and residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police. Senior officers of the Imo State Police Command and FUTO principal officers, including the deputy vice-chancellors, registrar, university librarian and chief security officer, attended the meeting.
