Sign-Out Parties Set For Ban As Enugu Governor Mourns 4 UNN Students
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has ordered an investigation into the deaths of four University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) students.
He also announced plans to ban sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations in tertiary institutions following the incident.
The students reportedly died during an off-campus sign-out party organised for one of their friends, while six others were hospitalised.
Mbah, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Uche Anichukwu, on Thursday in Enugu, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss.
He said the tragedy was a grievous loss to the bereaved families, UNN community and Enugu State.
“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.
“We, therefore, share in this grief and pray God to grant their families, friends and the UNN community the equanimity to bear the heartbreaking loss.
“Our hearts go out to their parents in particular, who sacrificed personal comforts to sponsor their children through the university, but only to face this sad turn of events,” he said.
The governor said the state government had ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He pledged to work with university authorities and security agencies to establish the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
Mbah also announced the suspension of his scheduled town hall meeting with the UNN community on Friday.
“Going forward, we will work with the authorities of tertiary institutions to enforce a full ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations.
“This trend has cost more lives and brought more sorrows than joy to families and higher institutions of learning,” he said.
He further called on relevant agencies and educational institutions to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers of drug use and abuse.
The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased students’ souls.
