Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during an off-campus sign-out party.
The governor also announced plans to work with authorities of tertiary institutions in the state to enforce a ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations among undergraduates.
Mbah expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased students, describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that had plunged the university community and the entire state into mourning.
His position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu.
The governor said the loss of the students, who died while celebrating the completion of their academic programmes, was particularly painful because of the promising futures cut short by the incident.
He also extended his sympathies to the parents of the deceased, noting that their sacrifices in sponsoring their children’s education had ended in an unimaginable tragedy.
Mbah said his administration had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident and would collaborate with the university management and security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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,” he stated.
As part of measures to identify with the university community, the governor disclosed that he had suspended his scheduled town hall meeting with UNN students and other members of the university community, which was billed for Friday, November 13, 2026.
He said the decision was taken to allow the state government join the institution in mourning the deceased.
The governor further described the growing trend of excessive sign-out celebrations as a source of concern, warning that such activities had caused avoidable deaths and sorrow for families and educational institutions.
He pledged that his administration would work with tertiary institutions to enforce a comprehensive ban on sign-out parties and other forms of excessive celebrations.
Mbah also called on relevant government agencies and educational institutions to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of drug use and abuse.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased students and strength for their families, friends and the entire UNN community to bear the loss.
The incident, which also left six other students hospitalised, has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of off-campus student celebrations.
