The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, has called on the police to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the deaths of four students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Ugwuanyi made the appeal in a statement on Saturday following the incident at an off-campus gathering in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ugwuanyi is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Hospital, Abuja.
The senatorial candidate expressed condolences to the families of the deceased students, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, members of the university community and the Enugu State Government.
He urged the police to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths through a transparent and detailed forensic examination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ugwuanyi also called on the university management to strengthen security measures, particularly for students residing outside the institution’s campus.
He further expressed concern over six other students who were reportedly hospitalised following the incident, urging relevant authorities to ensure they received adequate medical attention and psychological support.
The ADC candidate prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased students and asked God to grant their families the strength to overcome the loss.
The incident reportedly occurred at an off-campus lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, where 10 students had gathered to celebrate a friend who had completed his final-year examinations.
Following the tragedy, the university management declared three days of mourning and suspended academic and social activities.
The police have commenced investigations into the incident, while the remains of the deceased students were deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
However, the exact circumstances and cause of the deaths have yet to be officially established.
