Concern and apprehension have gripped the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, following the disappearance of Francisca Chioma, a student in the Department of Science Education.
Chioma, reportedly en route to a burial ceremony in a village outside Awka, Anambra State, on Friday, has not been heard from since.
According to a close friend and schoolmate who preferred anonymity, Chioma’s whereabouts have remained a mystery since Friday.
There are growing fears that she may have been abducted, particularly along the Omasiuno area in Anambra State.
Attempts to reach her via phone have proven futile, with her line continually unresponsive.
Emma Ojukwu, the Special Assistant on Public Relations Matters and Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, redirected inquiries to the university’s security department.
Subsequently, the Chief Security Officer of the institution, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the distressing development.
Chukwurah stated, “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 emphasized that the incident did not transpire within the school premises but during Chioma’s journey to the funeral.
Chukwurah revealed that relevant security agencies have been alerted, and the kidnappers have made contact with the family.
However, it remains unclear if any ransom demands have been made.
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