The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has declared a three-day mourning over the tragic death of four students at an off-campus house party in Nsukka.

The vice-chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the incident in Nsukka on Thursday.

Mr Ortuanya said the unfortunate incident occurred on November 11 during a house party organised at the university’s off-campus area.

According to him, 10 university students were involved.

“They organised the party to celebrate one of their friends who concluded his final year examination.

“Unfortunately, four of them died after consuming substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, while the remaining six are currently recuperating in the hospital.

“The university hereby declares a three-day mourning for the deceased students. Within these three days, all social and academic activities will be suspended in the university,” the VC said.

Mr Ortuanya also suspended a town hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and the governor of Enugu State, describing the tragic loss of the students as a death too many.

Mr Ortuanya extended the university’s heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased students.

“UNN shares in their grief at this difficult moment and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” he said.

The VC clarified that the students involved in the incident cut across different departments, contrary to widely speculated reports that they were only from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Mr Ortuanya reiterated UNN’s earlier ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations in the university, urging students to desist from activities that could endanger their lives.

“The university is cooperating with security agencies to unravel the actual cause of death of the four students,” the VC added.

(NAN)