Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has ordered an investigation into the deaths of four UNN students following an off-campus sign-out party, suspended his planned town hall meeting and called for a ban on excessive student celebrations.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), reportedly following an off-campus sign-out party, describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss.
The governor also called for a ban on sign-out parties and excessive celebrations among undergraduates, warning that the trend had caused unnecessary deaths and brought sorrow to families and tertiary institutions across the country.
Mbah’s position was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu.
The governor expressed shock over the incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of four students and left six others hospitalised.
“I received with rude shock and deep sense of loss the news of the off-campus sign-out party leading to the death of four students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and hospitalisation of six others,” he said.
Describing the incident as a grievous loss to the affected families, the university and Enugu State, Mbah said the deaths had cut short promising futures.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, friends and the entire UNN community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
The governor particularly sympathised with the parents of the deceased, noting that they had made significant sacrifices to sponsor their children’s university education.
“As a government, we have ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths and will work closely with the university authorities and security agencies to get to the roots of the sad development and forestall a recurrence,” Mbah stated.
As part of the state’s response, the governor announced the suspension of his scheduled town hall meeting with the UNN community, which was billed for Friday, November 13, 2026, to allow the university community to mourn the deceased.
He further disclosed plans to work with the management of tertiary institutions to enforce a comprehensive ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations.
According to him, the growing trend has resulted in more deaths and sorrow than joy for families and institutions of higher learning.
Mbah also called on relevant government agencies and educational institutions to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers and consequences of drug use and abuse.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families and the university community.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
