Tension is mounting at the Federal University of Technology Owerri following the alleged death of a first-year student after an assault reportedly carried out by members of the Man O’ War brigade operating as an auxiliary security group on the campus.

The incident which occurred at the weekend compelled the authorities to promptly close the school and demand students to leave hostels, thus disrupting all academic activities indefinitely.

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The victim, identified by fellow students as Chinedu Chibuzor, was a 100-level student in the Department of Cyber Security.

The circumstances that led to the incident remain unclear, but reports circulating within the university community allege that he died after being subjected to severe flogging by members of the security outfit.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, has triggered outrage among students and raised fears of possible protests on campus. Students who spoke to Daily Champion alleged that the deceased was beaten during what they described as a disciplinary exercise commonly employed by the Man O’ War group in dealing with suspected offenders.

Sources within the institution said the student’s body was later discovered and recovered by school security personnel, who reportedly alerted the police. Officers were said to have visited the campus briefly as part of preliminary inquiries.

Photographs circulating on student social media platforms allegedly show visible marks on the victim’s body consistent with severe whipping. Several students claimed that corporal punishment had become a recurring feature of the group’s activities, although these allegations have not been independently verified.

The incident has further heightened concerns over security within the university. Students have repeatedly complained about cases of kidnapping, unauthorized access to the campus by unknown persons and what they describe as inadequate security measures around the institution’s boundaries.

While the Man O’ War group is recognized by the university as a volunteer security organisation supporting internal security operations, some students allege that certain members have increasingly resorted to intimidation and excessive force. Student leaders insist that regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, no disciplinary action should result in the loss of life.

“No matter what he might have done, they should not have killed him like a dog. Even dogs should not die that way,” a female student told reporters while reacting to the development.

Efforts to obtain an official response from university authorities were unsuccessful as of press time. School officials were reportedly unavailable, while students claimed that members of the Man O’ War group had left the campus following the incident.

The alleged killing comes amid growing security concerns in and around the university community. Recent reports of student kidnappings in off-campus hostels and attempted abductions in surrounding communities have heightened anxiety among students and residents.

As of Saturday night, student groups were said to be holding consultations on possible responses to the incident while awaiting official statements from the university management and law enforcement authorities.

The circumstances surrounding the death remain subject to investigation, and authorities are expected to establish the facts, determine responsibility and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.