UNIZIK students call for donations to pay N2m ransom for kidnapped colleague Francisca Chioma

Kidnapped UNIZIK student Francisca Chioma

Some students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State have begun asking members of the public to help them raise N2 million which kidnappers demanded in order to free their schoolmate Francisca Chioma.

Ms Chioma, a student of Science Education Department, was taken captive after she left Awka on April 5 to attend a friend’s father’s burial in a community in Anambra State.

It was gathered that the kidnappers initially asked for N10m ransom for Chioma’s release. However, negotiations with the kidnappers ensured it was pegged at N2 million and deadline for payment set at Tuesday, April 9.

The family’s inability to raise the money has forced the victim’s schoolmates and friends to make an open call for public support.

A post on social media by one Collins C. reads, “She was abducted on Friday, and till now, we’ve not been able to find her.

Kidnappers won’t get ransom from us – FG

“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.”

Spokesman of Anambra Police Command Ikenga Tochukwu told PUNCH on Tuesday that the “family, friends, or witnesses” should “come forward with information that can help us embark on investigations”.