Enugu orders probe into four deaths after off-campus gathering in Nsukka
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka declared three days of mourning. Six other people were receiving hospital treatment as of Thursday, the university said.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has ordered an investigation into the deaths of four people after an off-campus gathering in Nsukka on 11 November. He also suspended a town hall meeting with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) community scheduled for Friday, 13 November.
The gathering took place on Wednesday night at a lodge in the Hilltop area near the university. UNN Vice-Chancellor Simon Ortuanya said the university received a distress call at about 10 p.m. and sent security personnel to the scene. On Thursday, Ortuanya said six people were receiving hospital treatment, some in critical condition.
Police investigate cause of deaths
Enugu State Police Command spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said officers recovered alcoholic beverages from the scene and that the bodies were taken to a mortuary for autopsy. Police are still investigating the cause of the deaths.
Ortuanya said the group involved included current and former UNN students. He said the university was working with security agencies on the investigation.
UNN suspends activities for three days
UNN declared three days of mourning and suspended academic and social activities for that period. Ortuanya said the university already bars sign-out celebrations on its campuses. Wednesday’s gathering took place off campus.
In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Mbah said the state would work with the university and security agencies on the investigation. He also said his government would work with tertiary institutions to introduce a wider ban on sign-out parties.
