By Praise Chinecherem
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have solicited for financial support to complete the ransom demand for one of their friends and schoolmate, Miss Francisca Chioma, reportedly abducted by gunmen on her way to a burial ceremony in a community in the State.
The victim, a student of the Science Education Department in UNIZIK, was reportedly missing since Friday, April 5, after she left Awka to attend a friend’s father’s burial in the undisclosed community.
According to social media reports, the kidnappers demanded the sum of N10 million as ransom for Chioma’s release, with a deadline of Tuesday (today) or she risked being harmed.
The ransom was said to have been negotiated down to N2million which compelled the victim’s schoolmates and friends to solicit help as the victim’s family finds it difficult to raise the money.
A post from Collins Chimezie, a concerned colleague of the victim, who took to social to plead for support, Captioned “Francisa Oma Went Missing!” reads: “She was abducted on Friday, and till now, we’ve not been able to find her.
“There’s been plenty of calls from her end. She was ki.dn.apped alongside two others, on her way to a village here in Anambra state, for a friend’s dad’s funeral.
“It’s been two nights already, and I fear for her safety. I thought it was a prank. I’m still struggling to believe it.
“They first demanded a ransom of 10million naira. But Collins Chimezie and God’swill Akan were able to beat it down to 2million.
“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…
“Please, help her. Please, help us save Francisca Oma . 0561865817; GT BANK; Chimezie Collins.”
Confirming the development, Chief Security Officer of UNIZIK, Mr. Ken Chukwurah said relevant security agencies in the State have been alerted, adding that the abductors had since contacted the family.
“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,” he said.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu also confirmed the incident, calling on the victim’s family and friends to come forward with information that could assist the Command on further investigations.
“Yes, the Command is aware of the unconfirmed information out there on the abduction of 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,” he said.
