Precious Nwonu, Enugu
A 24-year-old survivor of the party that claimed the lives of four University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), students has narrated how he suddenly lost consciousness while cleaning up after another attendee vomited during the gathering.
The survivor, who is among six people hospitalised following the incident, also disclosed that he consumed alcohol for the first time at the party, expressing regret and promising never to drink again.
He gave the account in an interview with Vanguard on Friday, explaining that he attended the gathering after being invited by a friend, identified as David, who organised the event to celebrate completing his examinations.
According to him, the party began around 11.30pm at an apartment in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with about 10 people in attendance.
He said the group purchased two bottles of alcoholic drinks, Magic Moments and Best, which they shared in small quantities while playing truth or dare.
The survivor explained that participants took turns answering questions or carrying out challenges as part of the entertainment, adding that nobody was paid to participate.
He said the situation took a turn after one of the male attendees vomited during the gathering.
According to him, he helped the individual to the bathroom before bringing out a rag to clean the vomit from a curtain.
He said he collapsed shortly after finishing the cleaning and attempting to return a bucket of water.
The survivor further described the apartment as a one-bedroom flat where the gathering took place in the sitting room. He said the windows were closed, a fan was running, while the air conditioner was switched off.
He also disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor, close to the apartment.
On the quantity of alcohol consumed, he maintained that the drinks were shared sparingly because there were only two bottles for the group.
He said he was gradually recovering in hospital but still had difficulty using his legs, which remained stiff.
The survivor confirmed that he was receiving medical attention and said the university’s Vice-Chancellor, alongside some local government representatives and friends, had visited the affected students.
Reflecting on the incident, he said he was still struggling to understand how his first experience with alcohol had resulted in such a frightening situation.
He also said he could not determine whether the drinks had been contaminated, despite repeated questions from people about the possibility of poisoning.
According to him, police officers questioned him about whether he had any disagreement with anyone or suspected that somebody might have attempted to harm him. However, he said he had no reason to suspect anyone.
The incident occurred during an off-campus gathering in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, leaving four students dead and six others hospitalised.
The Enugu State Police Command had confirmed that the deceased, comprising two male and two female students, were brought to the hospital dead.
The police also said alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in a mortuary for autopsy as investigations continued to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Following the tragedy, the university confirmed the deaths of four students and declared three days of mourning, suspending academic and social activities during the period.