UNN Party Tragedy: Survivor Recounts Regaining Consciousness to Find Four Friends Dead

A 24-year-old student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has recounted his frightening experience during an off-campus party that claimed the lives of four students in Nsukka, Enugu State.

The survivor, an Art Education student, disclosed that he suddenly lost consciousness during the gathering and regained consciousness several hours later, only to discover his friends lying motionless on the floor.

According to his account, the gathering was organised by a friend to celebrate the completion of his final examinations. About 10 people attended the party at a residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka.

He explained that the host purchased two bottles of alcoholic drinks, identified as Magic Moment and Best, which were shared among the participants.

The gathering reportedly began around 11:30 a.m., with the participants drinking and playing Truth or Dare.

Recounting the incident, the survivor explained that one of the participants began vomiting during the celebration. He said he escorted the individual to the toilet before returning to clean the vomit on the floor.

However, shortly afterwards, he noticed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually losing consciousness.

He said he regained consciousness at approximately 9 p.m. and heard someone making a comment about a person shaking like a ghost.

When he managed to look into the parlour, he discovered that the host and other participants were lying motionless on the floor.

The survivor said he immediately contacted a friend, who came to the residence but reportedly left after seeing the condition of those inside.

He also expressed disappointment that another individual who arrived at the scene allegedly began recording the situation instead of making efforts to get medical assistance for the victims.

He subsequently contacted another friend, who helped transport them to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.

Survivor Rules Out Drug Consumption

Addressing speculations that the students might have consumed hard drugs during the gathering, the survivor insisted that they only drank alcohol.

According to him, the quantity consumed was relatively small because two bottles were shared among approximately 10 people.

He maintained that none of the participants smoked or took illicit drugs during the celebration.

The survivor also disclosed that the doors and windows of the parlour were shut while a generator was operating outside in the corridor. A fan was reportedly switched on inside the room.

The circumstances have raised concerns about possible exposure to generator fumes, particularly carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless poisonous gas capable of causing unconsciousness and death.

However, the actual cause of the incident has not been officially established.

Survivor’s Condition Gradually Improving

The 24-year-old disclosed that his legs remained stiff following the incident, although his condition was gradually improving.

He also revealed that the university’s Vice-Chancellor had visited him at the hospital to assess his condition. Representatives of the local government, friends and police officers had equally visited.

According to him, police officers questioned whether the participants had any disagreements with anyone or suspected that their drinks might have been tampered with.

However, he said he had no reason to suspect that the host or anyone else deliberately harmed the participants.

He further disclosed that the host’s brother had confirmed that the host was receiving treatment at Bishop Shanahan Hospital.

Reflecting on the experience, the survivor described it as frightening and said it had completely changed his attitude towards alcohol consumption.

He stated that it was his first experience of drinking alcohol and suffering such a condition, adding that he would not consume alcohol again.

Police Begin Investigation Into Deaths

The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2026, involved 10 people who gathered for the celebration. Four of them, comprising two males and two females, died, while the remaining six were taken to different hospitals for medical attention.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, subsequently confirmed the deaths and announced a three-day mourning period in honour of the deceased students.

The university also suspended academic and social activities during the mourning period and said it was working with security agencies to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Enugu State Police Command equally confirmed that an investigation had commenced. According to the police, alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

The investigation is expected to establish what led to the sudden collapse and deaths of the four students.