UNIZIK Students Rally to Raise N2m Ransom for Abducted Colleague

Miss Francisca Chioma, a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has been reportedly kidnapped while en route to attend a burial ceremony. Chioma, a student of the Science Education Department, went missing on Friday, April 5, after leaving Awka to pay her respects at a friend’s father’s burial in a neighboring community.

Concerned colleagues, friends, and family members have been unable to establish contact with Chioma since her disappearance, escalating fears for her safety. The Chief Security Officer of the university, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the incident, indicating that security agencies have been alerted and are actively involved in the case.

According to Chukwurah, the assailants have initiated contact with Chioma’s family, although it remains uncertain whether a ransom demand has been made. Initial reports circulating on social media suggested that the kidnappers initially demanded a hefty N10 million ransom, later reduced to N2 million, with a looming deadline set for today.

In response to the urgent situation, Chioma’s fellow students and friends have launched a public appeal for financial support to meet the ransom demand. The call for donations, primarily circulated on social media platforms, underscores the community’s determination to secure Chioma’s safe release.

One of the students, identified as Collins C., took to social media to raise awareness about Chioma’s abduction and the urgent need for financial assistance. The post highlighted the escalating concerns for Chioma’s safety and urged the public to contribute towards the ransom.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, acknowledged awareness of the incident and called upon Chioma’s family, friends, and any potential witnesses to come forward with relevant information to aid the ongoing investigation.

As the search for Francisca Chioma continues, the collective efforts of the university community and law enforcement remain focused on securing her safe return home.