Shock and grief have reportedly gripped the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), community following reports that seven newly graduated Pharmacy students died during a celebration marking the completion of their academic programmes.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday night at Hilltop, an off-campus residential area in Nsukka, Enugu State, where the graduates had gathered for a sign-out party.
The students had earlier shared videos and photographs of their celebrations on social media after completing their academic programmes.
However, what was meant to be a joyful occasion reportedly ended in tragedy, with claims that seven graduates lost their lives during the indoor gathering.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a dark day for the Nsukka community. The source alleged that the students died during the private celebration organised to mark their graduation.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the lifeless bodies of some individuals lying inside a spacious room. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remain unclear.
An unconfirmed account from another student of the university, who also requested anonymity, claimed that a medical examination revealed traces of an overdose of hard drugs in the system of one of the survivors. The claim has not been independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the reported victims had not been officially confirmed.
Neither the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, nor the Enugu State Police Command had issued an official statement confirming the incident or explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
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