UNIZIK graduate dies while escaping a prank staged as a tricycle robbery
A recent graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ifunanya Miracle, also known as Bliss, tragically died while fleeing from a student prankster who simulated a robbery on campus in Awka, Anambra State.
Ifunanya, who had just graduated from the Department of Quantity Surveying, was in a tricycle with a friend named Peace, a student from the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, when they encountered a “robber” inside the vehicle.
The two jumped out of the moving tricycle to escape, resulting in Ifunanya hitting her head on the pavement, which led to her untimely death.
Peace sustained injuries and was taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
While studying, Ifunanya started a Point-of-Sale (POS) business on campus and continued it after graduation. On Sunday, June 9, 2024, she had closed her business for the day and boarded a tricycle with Peace.
During the ride, a passenger beside them allegedly attempted to rob them of their belongings. In their attempt to escape, both students jumped from the moving tricycle.
An anonymous student mentioned, “Miracle had just graduated and ran a PoS business in front of my residence. The incident occurred around 7 pm on June 9, 2024. She usually stored her business items under the staircase in our compound. We were shocked to hear about her death after she had just packed her things the previous evening.”
The student added, “Apparently, during the tricycle ride, a fellow passenger demanded their phones. Miracle jumped out in fear and hit her head on the road. By the time she was taken to the hospital, she had died. Her friend, who also jumped out, is still in the hospital with injuries.”
Another student stated that the man who demanded their belongings later claimed it was a prank and had reported himself to the police. “We heard he went to the police, saying it was a prank. It’s absurd to prank someone in a moving tricycle. The university hasn’t addressed the issue, which is concerning, especially since she just had her convocation.”
The university spokesperson, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed the incident and mentioned that the prankster, a final-year student, would face disciplinary action after the burial of Miracle. “The university is aware of the incident. It was a costly prank. The students thought it was a real robbery and jumped, leading to one death and one injury.”
Dr. Ojukwu added, “The families of the victims and the prankster have met with us, and it was confirmed to be a prank. The family of the student responsible will cover the funeral expenses and hospital bills. The university regrets the incident and urges students to avoid dangerous pranks. The prankster will face disciplinary action.”Friends and acquaintances have taken to Facebook to mourn the loss of Ifunanya Miracle.