Kidnapped FUTO Students Freed After Four-Day Ordeal

• Two female students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), abducted on Sunday, September 6, 2026, have regained their freedom after spending four days in the custody of their abductors.

• The students were kidnapped along the stretch between the university and Ihiagwa community during a security incident that heightened concerns over the safety of students and residents around the institution.

• FUTO management confirmed their release on Friday, saying the students are now receiving medical care and psychological support at the university’s Medical Centre following their ordeal.

• The university commended the police and other security agencies for their intervention and assured students, staff and parents that additional security measures were being sustained to prevent a recurrence.

September 11, () – Two female students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, who were abducted on Sunday, September 6, have regained their freedom.

reports that the students were abducted along the stretch between the institution and Ihiagwa community, triggering concern among students, their families and members of the university community.

Their release on Friday came four days after they were taken away, with the university management confirming that they were now safe and receiving attention for the physical and psychological effects of the ordeal.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Orakwe Ezugwu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

“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,” Ezugwu said.

He said the students had been taken to the FUTO Medical Centre, where they were receiving medical treatment and psychological support.

“The students are currently receiving medical care and psychological support at the University Medical Centre,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, has also visited the students and interacted with them following their return.

The university did not disclose details of how the students were released, whether any ransom was paid or whether arrests had been made in connection with the abduction.

FUTO management, however, commended the police and other security agencies for what it described as their prompt intervention in the incident.

The institution also assured students, members of staff, parents and other stakeholders that measures were being taken to strengthen security around the university.

“Additional security measures are being sustained in collaboration with relevant security agencies,” the university said.

Management urged members of the university community to remain calm but vigilant, while calling on them to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate security authorities.