The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, following a sign-out party at Hilltop Hostel in Nsukka.
The incident occurred on November 11 during an academic sign-out celebration, where four students, comprising two males and two females, reportedly took ill after allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages. Six other students were also hospitalised following the incident.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12. He said the four victims were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the six survivors were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
According to the police, alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, and the bodies of the deceased were deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The command said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of death.
The university management subsequently confirmed the deaths, stating that the 10 individuals involved in the gathering were from different departments.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said the party was organised to celebrate a friend who had completed his final-year examinations.
The university also clarified that the incident occurred outside its campus, in the Hilltop community, which hosts several off-campus student residences. It said it was working with security agencies to establish what led to the deaths.
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In response to the tragedy, the university declared three days of mourning for the deceased students and suspended academic and social activities during the period.
The management also reiterated its position against sign-out celebrations, urging students to mark the completion of their studies responsibly rather than engage in activities that could endanger their lives.
The incident also prompted concerns over reports circulating on social media about the identities and academic affiliations of the victims.
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students UNN chapter, dismissed claims that the deceased were members of the university’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also suspended a planned town hall meeting with the university community scheduled for Friday, November 13, as a mark of respect for the victims.
The governor further called for a ban on sign-out parties in tertiary institutions across the state, saying his administration would work with university authorities to discourage excessive celebrations. He also urged relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug use and abuse.
Although the police recovered alcoholic beverages from the scene, the precise substances consumed by the victims and the medical cause of their deaths have yet to be officially established.
The outcome of the autopsies and ongoing investigations is expected to provide further clarity. The police said they would release additional information as the investigation progresses.
NAN
