Metro
UNIZIK students gather funds together to raise N2M ransom for kidnapped colleague
Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, have come together to raise funds for the ransom demanded for the release of their fellow student, Francisca Chioma.
Francisca Chioma from the Science Education Department at the institution has reportedly been missing since Friday, April 5. She was last seen leaving Awka to attend a friend’s father’s burial in a community in Anambra State.
Efforts to contact her via phone were unsuccessful, causing concern and worry among her colleagues, friends, and family.
Ken Chukwurah, the Chief Security Officer of the institution, has confirmed the development. He also mentioned that relevant security agencies in the state have been alerted.
In a surprising revelation, it has been confirmed that the assailants had reached out to the family.
He said, “Yes, it is true. DSS has been fully in the picture since yesterday. We are working with them. We got information that one of our students was on her way to attend a funeral ceremony in a village outside Awka when the incident happened, and since then, she has not been found.
“It is important to also note that the incident did not happen in the school and we have to be clear about that. We have contacted the relevant security agencies and we hear the ‘kidnappers’ have contacted the family. Although, we are not aware if they have requested for any ransome or not.”
Recent reports circulating on social media indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N10m for the release of Chioma. However, after negotiations, the amount was eventually reduced to N2m.
According to reports, the kidnappers have set a deadline of Tuesday (today) for the payment of the ransom.
In response to the situation, the victim’s schoolmates and friends have launched a public appeal for support and donations. The victim’s family is facing challenges in raising the required N2m.
The post on social media by one Collins C. was captioned, “Francisca Oma Went Missing!” and it reads, “She was abducted on Friday, and till now, we’ve not been able to find her.
“There have been plenty of calls from her end. She was kidnapped alongside two others on her way to a village in Anambra state for a friend’s dad’s funeral.
“It’s been two nights already, and I fear her safety. I thought it was a prank. I’m still struggling to believe it.
“They first demanded a ransom of N10m but Collins C. and God’swill A. were able to beat it down to N2m.
“We were given a deadline, and we need your help. Francisca needs your help. You can offer us advice or suggestions on what next step to take. Pray for Francisca. Pray for her safety. Pray for her release.
Help us raise the ransom. Whatever you can offer, no matter how little.”
When contacted on Tuesday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the command was aware of the incident and called on the family and friends of the victim to come forward with information that can help the command to begin investigations.
“Yes, the command is aware of the unconfirmed information out there on the abduction of a UNIZIK student; and we want to use this medium to invite the victim’s family, friends, or witnesses to come forward with information that can help us embark on investigations, please,” Ikenga added.
