Mbah Orders Probe into Deaths of Four UNN Students, Moves to Ban Sign-Out Parties

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), following a tragic off-campus sign-out party, while announcing plans to ban such celebrations in tertiary institutions across the state.

The governor also called for a ban on excessive sign-out celebrations among undergraduates, warning that the growing trend had resulted in avoidable deaths and sorrow for families and educational institutions.

Mbah’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu, in which he expressed deep grief over the incident that also left six other students hospitalised.

Describing the deaths as a heartbreaking loss to the affected families, the university community and Enugu State, the governor said it was particularly painful that the victims lost their lives at a time when they had promising futures ahead of them.

He sympathised with the parents of the deceased, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to sponsor their children’s education, only to be confronted with the tragedy.

“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 said.

The governor further announced the suspension of his scheduled town hall meeting with the UNN community on Friday, November 13, 2026, as a mark of respect for the deceased and solidarity with the university.

Mbah said his administration would collaborate with authorities of tertiary institutions to enforce a comprehensive ban on sign-out parties and other excessive celebrations that pose risks to students’ lives.

He also called on relevant government agencies and educational institutions to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of drug use and abuse.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families, friends and the entire UNN community to bear the loss.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of students during off-campus social gatherings and the need for stronger institutional oversight, responsible celebrations and awareness of substance abuse among undergraduates.