Four UNN students die at off-campus party
A survivor recounts losing consciousness after consuming alcohol at a gathering in Nsukka, Enugu State.
Four students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) died on Wednesday at an off-campus party in Nsukka, Enugu State. A 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, lost consciousness after a participant vomited and later found his friends motionless. The gathering was organized by a friend named David to celebrate the end of final examinations, with two bottles of alcoholic drinks, Magic Moment and Best, shared among about 10 people.
The survivor described the party starting around 11:30 a.m. in a closed parlour with a generator running outside. He stated that alcohol was the only substance consumed, dismissing claims of illicit drugs. He recounted feeling his legs stiffen before losing consciousness and waking up around 9 p.m. to find others on the floor. He sought help from friends who transported the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities.
The university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Otuanya, visited the survivor, who reported gradual improvement despite ongoing leg stiffness. Local government representatives and police officers also visited, with police inquiring about potential drink tampering or prior disagreements. The survivor confirmed that the drinks were shared in small quantities, not even a quarter of a party cup per person.
Why it mattersFour students died after consuming alcohol at a party in Nsukka, prompting a police inquiry into the circumstances.