Tension has gripped the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) after Dorcas, a PhD student in the Department of Mass Communication, was abducted within the school premises during her usual morning jog on Saturday, June 22, 2025. The disturbing incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. as she left Peter Odili Hall, a postgraduate hostel, for her routine exercise along a familiar campus route.
Barely an hour later, her abductors made contact with her family, demanding a ransom of ₦10 million, sparking outrage across the academic community and beyond. The case has since triggered a wave of social media appeals, with calls for urgent action from both school authorities and security agencies.
Dorcas, known among her peers as disciplined and highly focused, has reportedly followed the same jogging routine for months without incident. The ease with which the kidnapping was executed has raised serious concerns about lapses in campus security, particularly for off-hour student movements within supposedly safe zones.
A viral tweet by education advocate Alex Onya (@winexviv) amplified public concern, drawing national attention to the case. “We can’t let this lady’s life be terminated,” he wrote, alongside photos of Dorcas, pleading for urgent intervention and solidarity.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is yet to release an official statement at the time of this report. However, concerned students have begun mobilizing peaceful demonstrations demanding round-the-clock security patrols, improved lighting on campus paths, and immediate digital surveillance expansion.
Family members are reportedly cooperating with law enforcement, but the kidnappers’ demand remains unmet as of press time. Authorities have advised against making any unauthorized payments or communication with the kidnappers outside official intelligence channels.
The incident has reignited the conversation about student safety in Nigerian universities, especially as insecurity continues to creep into once-considered “safe zones” like university campuses. UNN stakeholders are calling on the Enugu State Government and national security operatives to intervene swiftly before another life is lost.
