Four die after party at UNN off-campus lodge

Four people have reportedly died after a gathering at an off-campus lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, near the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with the incident sparking widespread reactions following the circulation of graphic videos on social media.

The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Chapter, has, however, dismissed reports claiming that seven Pharmacy students died in the incident, saying there was no confirmed report of any Pharmacy student among the victims.

In an official statement signed by its President, Onah Olisaemeka, and Secretary-General,  Obasi Chibuike V., on Thursday, the association said, “There is no confirmed report of any pharmacy student being among the victims of the incident.”

The association’s president said he personally visited Faith Foundation Hospital, where the bodies of four deceased persons, comprising two males and two females, were deposited.

“In a bid to ascertain the facts and address the growing concerns within our community, I personally visited Faith Foundation Hospital, where the bodies of four deceased persons (two boys and two girls) from the incident were deposited at the mortuary.

“I also personally viewed the deceased, and can confirm that I did not recognise any of them as a pharmacy student,” the statement read.

The association also disclosed that two individuals hospitalised following the incident were familiar UNN social media personalities known for street vlogging and dance content, popularly called Rymez and Golden, respectively.

“We understand the anxiety and concern this information may have generated, particularly among pharmacy students, their families, friends, and the wider university community. 

“We therefore urge everyone to exercise restraint, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on credible updates rather than speculation,” the statement added.

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Speaking with our correspondent, a student of the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the incident occurred in Nsukka but said the victims’ identities and student status could not be established.

The student said, “It is true it happened.”

The source added that some of those affected were still conscious and receiving treatment at a hospital.

“Some persons are still conscious, and they are in the hospital,” the student said.

The student, however, clarified that the incident occurred outside the university campus and that they could not confirm whether those involved were UNN students.

The incident gained widespread attention on Thursday after videos showing several people lying motionless inside a room at the lodge circulated on social media, with initial reports linking them to a Pharmacy students’ sign-out celebration following the completion of examinations.

However, the identities of the deceased and the cause of the incident remain unclear.

Our correspondent contacted the Enugu State Police Command for confirmation and further details, but the command had yet to respond to enquiries as of the time of filing this report.