A 24-year-old survivor of a gathering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has provided a harrowing account of the moments leading to his collapse and the deaths of four fellow students. Speaking to Vanguard, the survivor described losing consciousness while cleaning up vomit from another attendee during the event in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, Enugu State. The incident, which occurred on a Friday night, left four students dead and six others hospitalized, prompting the university to declare three days of mourning and suspend academic activities.
The survivor stated that the party was organized by a friend named David to celebrate the completion of examinations. Approximately ten people attended the gathering, which began around 11:30 pm in a one-bedroom apartment. According to the survivor, attendees played truth or dare and consumed small quantities of Magic Moments and Best alcoholic beverages from party cups. He emphasized that this was his first time consuming alcohol and expressed regret over the experience, vowing never to drink again. The survivor told Vanguard that his friend invited him to the event. He recalled that David brought the alcoholic drinks, specifically Magic Moments and Best, which the group purchased and took home.
The survivor recounted that the atmosphere in the apartment was enclosed, with windows shut and a fan running, while a generator operated outside. He explained that he lost consciousness after helping a male attendee who had vomited. He described taking a rag to clean the curtain where the vomit had landed. After finishing the cleanup, he went to drop the bucket of water and then lost consciousness. He remains unable to use his legs properly but is recovering under medical care. The university’s Vice-Chancellor and local government representatives have visited the affected students.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that the four deceased students, comprising two males and two females, were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Police recovered alcoholic beverages from the scene and deposited the remains in a mortuary for autopsy. Investigators are questioning the survivor regarding potential poisoning or personal disputes, but he stated he suspected no one. The university has confirmed the deaths and is cooperating with law enforcement as investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.