A recent graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ifunanya Miracle, also known as Bliss, tragically lost her life while attempting to escape a prank-turned-robbery on the school premises in Awka, Anambra State. The incident occurred on the evening of June 9, 2024.
Ifunanya, a graduate of the Department of Quantity Surveying, and her friend Peace, a student in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, were victims of the incident. According to sources, they were riding in a tricycle when a fellow passenger attempted to rob them of their valuables.
In a desperate bid to escape, both students jumped from the moving tricycle. While Peace sustained injuries and was taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Ifunanya hit her head on the ground and succumbed to her injuries.
A fellow student, who requested anonymity, recounted the event, stating, “Miracle ran a Point-of-Sale (PoS) business on campus. After closing for the day, she boarded a tricycle with her friend. A passenger suddenly demanded their phones. In trying to escape, they jumped out. Miracle unfortunately hit her head and died, while Peace was injured and is still in the hospital.”
The man who demanded their belongings later claimed it was a prank, leading to further outrage. Reports suggest he has since turned himself in to the police, asserting it was a practical joke gone wrong.
Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, the university spokesperson, confirmed the incident, describing it as a “very expensive prank.” He noted that the university would take disciplinary action against the prankster, a final-year student, after the burial of Ifunanya.
“The university regrets this unfortunate incident. The families of the victims and the prankster have met with us. It was established that it was indeed a prank. The prankster’s family will cover the funeral costs and the hospital bills of the injured student,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
He added a stern warning to students, urging them to avoid dangerous pranks that could result in harm or death, stating, “The student responsible will face disciplinary measures.”
The university community mourns the loss of Ifunanya Miracle and calls for heightened awareness and caution to prevent such tragedies in the future.
