Amidst growing concern, students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have launched a desperate bid to secure the release of their abducted peer, Miss Francisca Chioma. Chioma, a student of the Science Education Department, vanished on April 5 while en route to attend a burial ceremony in Anambra State, sparking fears and anxiety among her colleagues, friends, and family.
Despite frantic attempts to contact her, all efforts proved futile as Chioma remained unreachable, intensifying worries among those close to her. The institution’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the distressing development, revealing that relevant security agencies had been alerted to the situation.
“It is true. DSS has been fully informed since yesterday. We are actively collaborating with them,” Chukwurah stated. He clarified that the abduction did not occur on campus but during Chioma’s journey to the funeral.
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The assailants have reportedly established contact with her family, although it remains uncertain if a ransom demand has been made.
Social media platforms buzzed with reports indicating that the kidnappers initially demanded a hefty sum of N10 million for Chioma’s safe return, later reducing it to N2 million and setting a deadline for payment by Tuesday. With the victim’s family struggling to meet the ransom, Chioma’s classmates and friends issued a public appeal for support and donations to facilitate her release.
A poignant post by a concerned peer, Collins C., titled “Francisca Oma Went Missing!” recounted the harrowing ordeal, urging prayers and assistance for Chioma’s safe return. Despite negotiations that lowered the ransom, the urgency of the situation spurred a collective plea for financial aid.
As the deadline loomed, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, affirmed awareness of the abduction, urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward and aid investigations. “The command is cognizant of the unconfirmed reports regarding the UNIZIK student’s abduction. We implore the victim’s family, friends, or witnesses to provide any details that could assist our inquiries,” Tochukwu reiterated.
As the community awaits further updates, solidarity and support continue to pour in, underscoring the determination to secure Chioma’s safe release and bring an end to this distressing ordeal.
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