BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, has demanded a thorough forensic investigation by the Police into the mysterious deaths of four University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) students.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Ugwuanyi called for urgent clarity following the tragedy, which occurred during an off-campus gathering in Nsukka.
A prominent medical figure, Ugwuanyi serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Hospital, Abuja, and is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the university community and the Enugu State Government, Dr Ugwuanyi tasked the Police to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident through a transparent forensic investigation to prevent a recurrence.
He also urged the University management to strengthen measures to protect students, particularly those living off campus.
Furthermore, the ADC candidate expressed concern over six other students hospitalised after the incident, urging the relevant authorities to provide them with adequate medical and psychological care.
Ugwuanyi prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the loss.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred at an off-campus lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, where 10 students had gathered to celebrate a friend who completed his final-year examinations.
Meanwhile, an uneasy quiet now hangs over the campus after the University management suspended all academic and social activities for three days of mourning.
As families await answers, the victims’ bodies have been moved to the mortuary for autopsies, with Police investigators still working to piece together what could have triggered the unfortunate incident.
