BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – A cloud of grief and shock has enveloped the quiet University town of Nsukka after a gathering at an off-campus lodge in the Hilltop area of the town turned fatal, reportedly claiming four lives in the process.
The tragedy, which unfolded just steps away from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has ignited a firestorm of outrage and sorrow across the campus and beyond as disturbing footage from the scene continue to flood social media.
Amid the swirling panic and anxiety, misinformation is quickly taking hold online, prompting a swift pushback from student leaders with the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), UNN Chapter, firmly debunking viral claims alleging that seven Pharmacy students perished in the unfortunate incident.
Clarifying that no confirmed reports linked any member of the Faculty to the tragedy, PANS, in an official statement signed by its President, Onah Olisaemeka, and Secretary-General, Obasi Chibuike V., on Thursday, said: “There is no confirmed report of any pharmacy student being among the victims of the incident.”
According to the Association’s president, 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.
In a chat with Forefront News, a student of the university, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that the incident occurred in Nsukka but said the victims’ identities and student status could not be established, adding: “It is true it happened”, and some of those affected are still conscious and receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“Some persons are still conscious, and they are in the hospital,” the student said but further clarified that the incident occurred outside the university campus and amid all the chaos, it remained impossible to tell with any certainty whether the individuals caught up in the deadly scene were actually affiliated with the institution.
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.
UNN Management, Police Still Silent
However, with the deceased’s identities and cause of the unfortunate incident still unclear, neither the Enugu State Police Command nor the UNN authorities have issued detailed official statement as of the time of filing this report.
While efforts at contacting the Command Spokesperson were unsuccessful, the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, had earlier told journalists that the institution would issue an official statement regarding the incident.
In a passionate message to the media on Thursday morning, Egwu, who pleaded for patience, assured the public that the University’s authorities were on top of the situation, adding: “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.”
The Death Mystery Deepens
Speculation has emerged over what may have led to the deaths with a WhatsApp message purportedly written by an associate of one of the victims claiming 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, alleging 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.
In the raging confusion and chaos, reports have surfaced that a hospitalized survivor tested positive for an overdose, a claim that remains completely unverified and competent sources hinted that until a toxicology report or an official investigation delivers the truth, the real cause of death hangs in the balance.
PANS Urges Calm Amid Tensions
Amid conflicting reports, PANS called for restraint, urging the university community and the public to avoid spreading unverified claims, stressing that no confirmed evidence has linked Pharmacy students to the casualties, noting that enquiries remain ongoing to identify those involved.
Meanwhile, the deadly incident has left students and the wider Nsukka community demanding answers, but for now, the victims’ identities, the exact casualty toll, and the cause of the tragedy await official confirmation.
