Tension is mounting at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, following reports that several students abducted within the school premises have remained in captivity since Sunday, with kidnappers demanding ₦7.5 million ransom for each victim.
The alarming disclosure was made
Tension is mounting at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, following reports that several students abducted within the school premises have remained in captivity since Sunday, with kidnappers demanding ₦7.5 million ransom for each victim.
The alarming disclosure was made by a source and social media user, who alleged that the victims were kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen operating in the university environment.
“FUTO Students abducted by Fulani Herdsmen inside the school premises since Sunday are still in the kidnappers den till now. They charged ransom ₦7.5m per student,” his post read.
The claim has sparked outrage and fear among students and residents, especially as it suggests a worsening security situation within the institution once considered relatively safe.
This development comes amid an earlier confirmed abduction involving a 17-year-old student of the university, Mary Ezinwayi Uzoma, a 100-level Microbiology student, who was kidnapped along the FUTO/Ihiagwa Road in Owerri West Local Government Area.
FUTO Students abducted by Fulani Herdsmen inside the school premises since Sunday are still in the kidnappers den till now.
They charged ransom 7.5m per student...
From Unknown gunmen to Fulani herdesmen. pic.twitter.com/UaiJVFZfLm
— Onwa_Nnewi (@Kene_Nnewi) May 5, 2026
FUTO Students abducted by Fulani Herdsmen inside the school premises since Sunday are still in the kidnappers den till now.
They charged ransom 7.5m per student...
The Imo State Police Command had, in response, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying operatives alongside local vigilantes to comb surrounding bushes and nearby communities.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation as part of efforts to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible.
“The directives are part of proactive measures aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the victim and the swift arrest of the perpetrators,” Okoye said.
He added that intelligence-driven operations had been intensified, with increased patrols and surveillance across the FUTO axis and adjoining communities.
Despite these assurances, concerns continue to grow over the safety of students, particularly with fresh claims that more victims may still be held by kidnappers within the area.
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the latest allegation regarding multiple abductions and ransom demands.
Students and residents have called for urgent and decisive action from security agencies to secure the campus and prevent further attacks.
The police have urged anyone with credible information to come forward, assuring the public of their commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
