Rita Odafe
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A group of Nnamdi Azikiwe University students in Awka, Anambra State, are raising money to pay the ransom demanded on their classmate, Francisca Chioma, who was allegedly kidnapped while travelling to a funeral.
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Chioma, a student in the department of science education at the university, was reported missing on Friday, April 5, following her departure from Awka to attend a friend’s father’s funeral in an Anambra State village.
It was learned that all attempts to contact her by phone were unsuccessful, as calls to her number went unanswered, causing anxiety and fear in her friends, family, and coworkers.
Ken Chukwurah, the institution’s chief security officer, acknowledged the situation and said that pertinent security agencies in the state have been alerted.
He revealed that the assailants had made contact with 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.”
The claims that are now spreading on social media state that the kidnappers first demanded a ransom of N10 million to free Chioma; however, they were finally able to negotiate a payment of N2 million.
It was learned that the kidnappers also set a Tuesday, or this day, as the deadline for paying the ransom.
Because of this, the victim’s friends and classmates decided to issue an open plea for money to help cover the ransom, because the victim’s family was having trouble coming up with the N2 million.
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.”
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