Ifunanya Miracle, a fresh graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), tragically lost her life while trying to escape a prank staged by a fellow student. The event took place in the Awka area of Anambra State and has left the university community in shock and mourning.
Ifunanya, also known as Bliss, had recently graduated from the Department of Quantity Surveying. She was traveling in a tricycle with her friend Peace, a student from the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, when they encountered what they believed to be a robbery.
The so-called “robber,” who was later revealed to be a prankster, demanded their phones. In a desperate attempt to escape, both Ifunanya and Peace jumped out of the moving vehicle. Tragically, Ifunanya hit her head on the pavement and succumbed to her injuries. Peace sustained injuries and was rushed to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Before her untimely death, Ifunanya was known for her entrepreneurial spirit, having started a Point-of-Sale (POS) business on the school premises. She continued her business even after graduation, with the tragic incident occurring shortly after she had closed for the day.
A fellow student, choosing to remain anonymous, recounted the incident: “Miracle just graduated and was running a POS business at the school. The incident happened around 7 PM on June 9, 2024. She had just packed up her business for the day. We heard she was dead after jumping out of a tricycle to escape a robbery, only to find out it was a prank.”
The prankster, a final-year student, reportedly turned himself in to the police, claiming it was all a joke gone wrong. This has sparked outrage among students, who question the judgment of such a dangerous prank.
“The man claimed it was a prank. How can someone prank others in a moving tricycle?” another student lamented. “Miracle’s death is a result of sheer carelessness. The university’s silence on this matter is concerning, especially since she just had her convocation.”
UNIZIK’s spokesperson, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the university is aware and deeply regrets the tragedy. He assured that the prankster would face disciplinary action after Ifunanya’s burial. “The families of the victims and the prankster have met with us. It was established as a prank. The prankster’s family will cover the funeral costs and hospital bills. We strongly warn against such dangerous pranks,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
Friends and classmates have taken to social media to mourn Ifunanya’s loss, expressing their grief and calling for justice.