By Godwin Akomah, Southeast Bureau
Panic has continued to spread across the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and beyond on Thursday after videos from a lodge in the Hilltop area showed several people lying motionless inside a room.
Initial posts on social media claimed seven Pharmacy students had died during a sign-out celebration after exams.
That claim has now been dismissed.
In an official statement, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, UNN Chapter, said there is no confirmed report of any Pharmacy student among the victims.
The statement was signed by its President, Onah Olisaemeka, and Secretary-General, Obasi Chibuike V.
According to the association, its president personally visited Faith Foundation Hospital, where four bodies were deposited at the mortuary, two males and two females.
“I also personally viewed the deceased, and can confirm that I did not recognise any of them as a pharmacy student,” the statement read.
The association also disclosed that two people hospitalised after the incident are popular UNN social media personalities known for street vlogging and dance content, popularly called Rymez and Golden.
A UNN student who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that an incident happened in Nsukka, but said the identities and student status of the victims could not be established.
“It is true it happened,” the student said. “Some persons are still conscious, and they are in the hospital.”
The student added that the incident happened outside the university campus.
The cause of the incident is still unclear, and the identities of the deceased have not been officially released.
The Enugu State Police Command had yet to respond to enquiries as of the time of filing this report.
The Pharmacy students’ association has urged students, families and the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“We therefore urge everyone to exercise restraint, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on credible updates rather than speculation,” it said.
