KEY POINTS

• A 17-year-old student of Federal University of Technology Owerri was abducted in Imo State.
• Police have launched a coordinated search involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes.
• Security has been reinforced around the FUTO area as efforts continue to rescue the victim.

A 17-year-old student of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Mary Ezinwayi Uzoma, has been abducted in Imo State.

The victim, a 100-level Microbiology student, was reportedly kidnapped along the FUTO/Ihiagwa Road in Owerri West Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns about student safety in the area.

The Imo State Police Command said it has begun a coordinated search and rescue operation to secure the victim’s release.

Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene, working alongside local vigilantes to comb nearby bushes and surrounding areas in an intensive effort to locate the abductors and rescue the student.

Anti-Kidnapping Unit Takes Over Case

Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation.

According to the police, the move is part of proactive measures aimed at ensuring a swift rescue operation and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.

Authorities have reinforced security presence around the FUTO axis and neighbouring communities.

The police say sustained patrols, surveillance operations, and increased visibility policing are already ongoing to prevent further incidents and reassure students and residents in the area.

The command has assured the public, particularly students and school authorities, of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

Residents with useful information have been urged to report to the nearest police station or contact emergency lines to aid the rescue effort.