RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has confirmed the deaths of four persons following an off-campus house party in Nsukka, Enugu State, with six others hospitalised.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, confirmed the incident on Thursday, expressing sadness over the tragedy and announcing three days of mourning across the institution.
According to Ortuanya, the incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, at Praise Lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, where a group had gathered to celebrate a student’s completion of final-year examinations.
He disclosed that the university received a distress call at approximately 10 p.m., prompting security personnel to visit the location.
Four persons were confirmed dead, while six others were taken to hospitals for medical treatment. Some of those hospitalised were reportedly in critical condition.
The vice-chancellor said preliminary findings raised concerns about possible alcohol abuse and suspected drug-related substances at the gathering.
However, he emphasised that investigations were ongoing and that the university had not established the actual cause of the deaths.
The Enugu State Police Command also confirmed that it had commenced investigations into the incident.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the deceased comprised two males and two females who were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
He disclosed that alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the bodies had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the university management declared three days of mourning, suspending academic and social activities during the period.
A town hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was also postponed.
Ortuanya clarified that those involved came from different academic departments, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that all the victims were pharmacy students.
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students at UNN had similarly disputed claims linking the deaths specifically to its members.
The vice-chancellor reiterated the institution’s existing ban on sign-out celebrations and urged students to avoid activities that could endanger their lives.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the university community that management would cooperate with security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police said further information would be provided as investigations progressed.
