Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has launched a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of four undergraduates from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The tragedy occurred after an off-campus sign-out celebration, which also left six other students hospitalised.
Mbah described the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the victims' families, the university, and the entire state. In response, he called for an immediate nationwide prohibition of sign-out parties in tertiary institutions.
Governor Halts University Visit Following Deadly Celebration
The governor announced the investigation in an official statement released through his media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu.
"I received with rude shock and deep sense of loss the news of the off-campus sign-out party leading to the death of four students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and hospitalisation of six others," Mbah said. He expressed deep condolences to the parents who sacrificed to send their children through school.
As a mark of honour and mourning for the deceased, Mbah suspended a town hall meeting scheduled with the university community for Friday, November 13, 2026. The administration pledged to collaborate closely with law enforcement and university leadership to uncover the cause of the tragedy.
Police Launch Inquiry as Hospital Confirms Casualties
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that the incident took place at Hilltop Lodge, a private residential facility in Nsukka.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe stated that detectives have opened an active inquiry into the gathering. First responders rushed ten unconscious students from the lodge to local medical facilities for emergency intervention.
Medical staff confirmed four fatalities, consisting of two male and two female students. Their remains were deposited at the Faith Foundation Hospital mortuary in Nsukka, while six surviving students remain under medical observation. Official toxicology and post-mortem examinations remain pending to determine the medical cause of death.
Student Body Dispels Rumours Surrounding Victims' Identity
Following the incident, unverified reports circulated on social media claiming that all seven victims were graduating students of the Department of Pharmacy.
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students at the university swiftly investigated and dismissed those claims. Association President Olisaemeka Onah visited the mortuary and confirmed that none of the deceased belonged to the pharmacy department.
Authorities urged the public to refrain from circulating unconfirmed claims regarding the victims' identities or the exact circumstances until official forensic findings are released.
Growing Push to Prohibit Unregulated Sign-Out Celebrations
The tragedy has reignited intense debate across Nigeria over off-campus graduation parties. Governor Mbah characterised these unregulated events as a menace that continues to bring sorrow to families.
Higher education institutions have previously attempted to restrict on-campus celebrations. However, private gatherings organised in off-campus student lodges often proceed without security supervision or emergency medical safeguards.
Enugu State authorities reaffirmed that security agencies will hold anyone found criminally negligent accountable as the formal inquest continues.
