Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is shrouded in apprehension following the disappearance of Francisca Chioma, a student in the Department of Science Education, who went missing while en route to a burial ceremony in a village outside Awka, Anambra State.
According to sources, Chioma embarked on the journey to attend the funeral on Friday, but her whereabouts have remained unknown since then, prompting fears that she may have been abducted. Concerns intensified as repeated attempts to reach her via phone have gone unanswered.
A schoolmate and friend, speaking anonymously, revealed the worrying development, expressing deep concern for Chioma’s safety. Despite efforts to contact her, there has been no response, raising suspicions of foul play, particularly along the Omasiunu area in Anambra State.
Upon inquiry, Emma Ojukwu, the Special Assistant on Public Relations Matters and Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor, directed inquiries to the security department. Confirming the incident, Chief Security Officer Ken Chukwurah disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had been alerted and was collaborating on the case.
Chukwurah clarified that the incident did not occur within the university premises but while Chioma was on her way to the funeral. He revealed that contact had been established with relevant security agencies, and Chioma’s family had been contacted by the purported kidnappers. However, it remains unclear whether any ransom demands have been made.
Efforts to obtain information from the Anambra State police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, proved futile as calls and messages went unanswered.