Nigerian university has declared three days of mourning following the deaths of four students who reportedly fell ill, after attending a party marking the end of their final examinations in Nsukka.
The victims, identified as two men and two women, died following the gathering, prompting concern among students and the wider university community.
In response to the tragedy, the institution suspended academic and social activities during the mourning period as it paid tribute to the deceased students.
The university also moved to restrict student celebrations following the incident, with officials raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the party.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish what led to the deaths. Preliminary findings have raised questions about possible alcohol abuse and the use of drug-related substances, although officials say the cause has not yet been confirmed.
A university official, Ortuanya, cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigations are completed.
"The preliminary investigation and interim report point to alleged alcohol abuse or drug paraphernalia and things like that. But we are not conclusive on those matters," he said, as quoted by the BBC.
The statement suggests investigators are examining several possibilities as they seek to determine what happened to the students after the celebration.
The incident has also drawn attention to concerns about unsafe and adulterated alcoholic drinks in Nigeria, where reports of harmful substances in some beverages have raised public health concerns.
However, authorities have not established whether the students consumed contaminated alcohol or whether any particular substance contributed to their deaths.
The university's decision to suspend activities comes as the institution grapples with the loss of four members of its student community.
The three-day mourning period is expected to give students and staff time to reflect on the tragedy as investigations continue.
Officials have yet to provide a conclusive account of the events that preceded the deaths. The findings of the ongoing investigations will be important in establishing the circumstances, surrounding the incident and whether alcohol or other substances were involved.
LINK: https://www.tuko.co.ke/world/africa/646729-nigerian-university-mourns-4-students-died-attending-post-exam-party-bans-celebrations/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR8G_uh2NCoaFKC36w-RdXGf8nzX-E4jNWCYuFkofhZGKjVqDdI5oBt1E8YePw_aem_xz_DvPDod4jpSiBNmG31Sg
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