NEWS
Tragedy at UNN as Four Dead, Six Hospitalised After House Party in Nsukka as VC Declares Three Days of Mourning
Tragedy at UNN as Four Dead, Six Hospitalised After House Party in Nsukka as VC Declares Three Days of Mourning
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has been thrown into mourning following a tragic incident at a private house party in the Hilltop community of Nsukka, Enugu State, which claimed the lives of four persons, including students and graduates of the institution, while six others were hospitalised, some in critical condition.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simon Ortuanya, confirmed the incident on Thursday, November 12, 2026, while addressing journalists, describing the development as a devastating tragedy for the university community.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university received a distress call at approximately 10pm on Wednesday, November 11, informing its authorities that some students and graduates were involved in a serious incident during a house party at Praise Lodge, situated in the Hilltop community, outside the university’s Nsukka campus.
Following the report, the university immediately mobilised its security personnel to the location, where they discovered that several people had been affected by the incident.
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
Providing details of the disturbing development, Ortuanya said:
Channel
“On arriving at the scene, we discovered that there was a house party in a lodge called Praise Lodge outside the university, precisely around the Hilltop community in the periphery of University of Nigeria Nsukka Campus.
“It was discovered that four persons died immediately. Six other persons are presently in hospital, as they were rushed to hospitals, and they are receiving treatment at the moment,“ the Vice-Chancellor said.
The tragedy has raised serious concerns within the university community, particularly over the circumstances surrounding the gathering and the factors that may have contributed to the deaths and hospitalisation of the other participants.
Ortuanya disclosed that the university was working closely with relevant security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the incident and establish what actually transpired at the lodge.
While preliminary findings reportedly pointed towards possible alcohol abuse and the use of drug-related substances during the party, the Vice-Chancellor cautioned members of the public against drawing premature conclusions, stressing that investigations were still ongoing and that no definitive position had been established.
In another development, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university management’s prohibition of sign-out celebrations across its campuses in Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla.
He emphasised that graduation should be a moment of gratitude, reflection and responsible celebration rather than an occasion for excessive partying and activities capable of endangering lives. As a mark of respect for the victims, the university management has declared a three-day mourning period across the institution. During the mourning period, all academic and social activities, including lectures and scheduled ceremonies, will be suspended as the university community comes to terms with the loss. The development has also affected the university’s scheduled engagement with the Enugu State Government, as Ortuanya announced the postponement of the town hall meeting between the university community and Governor Peter Mbah, initially scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026. A new date will be communicated subsequently.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to students, staff, parents and other members of the university community to remain calm, prayerful and supportive of the affected families while security agencies continue their investigations.
He further clarified that 10 persons were involved in the house party, with four confirmed dead and the remaining six receiving medical attention, some of whom are reportedly in critical condition.
The incident has cast a dark shadow over the UNN community, with the university management now prioritising the welfare of the survivors, support for the bereaved families and efforts to uncover the circumstances behind the heartbreaking loss of four lives.
DO YOU WANT TO WHISTLEBLOW, REPORT FRAUD, THEFT OR INJUSTICE OR INTIMIDATION? SEND US YOUR STORY/REPORT TO NEWSDESK@MEDIATODAY.NG
