Francisca Chioma Mbadigha, a student in the Department of Science Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, has allegedly been kidnapped in Anambra State. Reports indicate that she was abducted while en route to a burial ceremony in a village outside Awka on Friday, April 5, 2024.
A close friend and a schoolmate, who opted to remain anonymous, revealed that Chioma’s whereabouts have remained unknown since the incident. Despite multiple attempts to reach her via phone, her line has remained unresponsive, adding to the concern over her safety.
When approached for comment, 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. This move suggests a concerted effort by the university to handle the matter through appropriate channels and ensure the safety of its students.
Following the incident, the University’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, affirmed the situation, noting that the kidnappers have made contact with the student’s 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,” Chukwurah said.
Chukwurah emphasized that the incident occurred outside the school premises, during Chioma’s journey to the funeral. He disclosed that pertinent security agencies have been notified, and the kidnappers have reached out to the family. However, it remains uncertain whether any ransom demands have been issued.
