Carnage At UNN
A rumpus at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) results in the death of four students and hospitalization of six others
By Patrick Ogboru
Four students from the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu State, have died after reportedly falling ill during a sign-out celebration at a lodge in the university community.
It was gathered that six other students were also rushed to the hospital for treatment following the incident, which occurred at Hilltop Lodge, Nsukka, on Wednesday November 11, 2026.
The Enugu State Police Command disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday November, 12 by its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, a Superintendent of Police.
It was further gathered that the deceased were graduating students of the Department of Pharmacy, but the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, UNN chapter, promptly dismissed the claim and said none of the victims was known to the association or the department.
Videos circulating on social media showed at least six persons lying unconscious on the floor of a spacious room, while some people gathered around them, filming and lamenting over the incident.
As at press time, the circumstances surrounding the death of the students remained uncertain, however there was speculation of a possible substance abuse yet to be confirmed.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s President, Olisaemeka Onah, and Secretary-General, Chibuike Obasi, the Association described the reports that seven pharmacy students died in the incident as false.
Onah said he visited Faith Foundation Hospital, where the bodies of four victims, comprising two males and two females, were deposited in the mortuary, to establish their identities.
He said, “I personally viewed the deceased, and I can confirm that I did not recognise any of them as a pharmacy student.
“I equally made enquiries regarding the victims and other persons affected by the incident. Among the hospitalised individuals I could identify were two familiar UNN social media personalities, popularly known for street vlogging (Rymez) and dance content (Golden), respectively.”
The Association also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports, particularly concerning the identities of the deceased.
“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.
The Association also said it would continue to monitor developments and communicate verified information relevant to its members while expressing sympathy for those affected by the incident.
Meanwhile, a student of the university, who refused to be identified in print confirmed that the incident occurred in Nsukka but said the identities and student status of those involved had yet to be established.
“It is true it happened,” the student said, adding, “Some persons are still conscious, and they are in the hospital”.
The student, however, clarified that the incident occurred outside the university campus and that it could not be confirmed whether those involved were students of the University of Nigeria.
In a statement made available to the media, Ndukwe said two males and two females reportedly took ill after allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages at the gathering.
He stated that the four victims were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the six others were receiving medical attention.
According to the police, alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The command said it had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the cause of the deaths.
