The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has confirmed the death of four students, while six others are receiving medical treatment following a tragic incident at an off-campus house party in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The confirmation comes amid widespread reports and concerns over the circumstances surrounding the gathering, which reportedly took place in the Hilltop area of the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Simon Ortuanya, disclosed that investigations had commenced to determine what led to the deaths and the hospitalisation of the other students.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, preliminary findings have raised concerns about possible alcohol abuse and the discovery of suspected drug-related paraphernalia.
However, the university stressed that the exact cause of the tragedy had not been established, as investigations were still ongoing.
Professor Ortuanya said the institution was working closely with relevant security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In response to the tragedy, the university has declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased students, with academic and social activities suspended during the period.
The university management also appealed to students, staff and members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic or distress to the affected families.
The development provides an updated account of the tragedy following earlier unconfirmed social media reports that seven Pharmacy students had died during a celebration.
The university's reported confirmation puts the death toll at four, with six others hospitalised.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.