Tragedy has struck the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, following the deaths of four people after a private gathering at an off-campus lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka.
The incident, which reportedly occurred after a house party at End in Praise Lodge, has sparked shock and concern within the university community, with initial reports giving conflicting accounts of the number and identities of those who died.
While some early reports claimed that six or seven fresh graduates, including five females and one male, had lost their lives, subsequent information from the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), UNN chapter, indicated that four bodies had been deposited at a hospital mortuary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the association’s President, Onah Olisaemeka, and Secretary-General, Obasi Chibuike, said they visited Faith Foundation Hospital to establish the identities of those involved.
According to the association, four bodies, comprising two males and two females, were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The PANS president reportedly said he personally viewed the bodies but could not identify any of the deceased as a Pharmacy student, contradicting widespread reports that the victims were newly graduated Pharmacy students.
The association also disclosed that two individuals reportedly affected by the incident were familiar faces within the university’s social media community, popularly known as Rymez, a street vlogger, and Golden, known for dance-related content.
The development has raised further questions about the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Allegations Surrounding Cause of Death
Meanwhile, speculation has emerged over what may have led to the deaths.
A WhatsApp message purportedly written by an associate of one of the victims alleged that some party attendees collapsed after consuming a mixture of hard drugs and alcohol.
According to the message, some individuals reportedly began collapsing around midnight during the gathering.
The message further claimed that a neighbour became concerned after receiving no response from occupants of the apartment and that the door was subsequently forced open, leading to the discovery of the victims.
It also alleged that one person who survived the incident was hospitalised and reportedly tested positive for a drug overdose.
However, these claims have not been independently verified, and neither a toxicology report nor an official investigative finding has established the cause of the deaths.
UNN Management Yet To Issue Full Statement
Earlier, the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, told journalists that the institution would issue an official statement regarding the incident.
In a message to journalists on Thursday morning, he appealed for patience, saying:
“Those calling in connection with the incident that happened last night should please hold on. We will issue an official statement on the matter soon.”
As of the time of this report, a comprehensive official account from the university and the police detailing the identities of the deceased and the cause of the incident had yet to emerge.
PANS Appeals For Restraint
Following the circulation of conflicting reports, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students urged members of the university community and the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
The association stressed that there was no confirmed evidence that Pharmacy students were among the victims and said further enquiries were ongoing to establish the identities of those affected.
The incident has left students, residents and other members of the Nsukka community seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
For now, the identities of all the victims, the exact number of casualties and the cause of the tragedy remain matters requiring further official clarification.
Further updates are expected as the university management and relevant authorities provide more information.