A Nigerian man, Ugwuanyi Ikenna, has expressed grief over the death of his cousin, Nnamochie, one of the four University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) students who died during a sign-out celebration at Hilltop Hostel, Nsukka, on November 11, 2026.
Gists9ja reports that the tragedy involved four students, comprising two males and two females, who reportedly became severely ill during the gathering.
In an earlier statement, the police attributed the incident to the alleged consumption of alcoholic beverages by the victims.
However, reacting to the development in an emotional social media post, Ikenna expressed shock over his cousin’s sudden death and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He disputed the narrative that the victims’ condition was linked to alcohol consumption, claiming that an eyewitness who survived the incident confirmed that Nnamochie neither drank alcohol nor used drugs.
Ikenna further disclosed that members of their community were determined to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths, insisting that they would pursue the matter until the truth emerged.
Recounting his last interaction with his cousin, he said he had visited Nsukka the previous week and promised to meet him again during the weekend after an unexpected appointment disrupted their plans.
He, however, became worried when Nnamochie suddenly stopped responding to calls and messages, leaving members of his family unable to reach him.
According to Ikenna, he returned from Lagos only to discover that his cousin had died and was lying lifeless in the mortuary.
Providing further details, he claimed that 11 people, comprising five males and six females, were in the room during the gathering.
He alleged that two male students and two female students died, while the remaining three males and three females survived and were receiving medical treatment.
Ikenna also claimed that only one female participant reportedly refused to drink, while a bottle of Best Gin and Magic Moment were allegedly served during the gathering.
He added that his visits to the hospitals and mortuary had revealed other issues he considered significant, but declined to disclose further details pending the outcome of investigations.
In his emotional tribute, he wrote:
“My cute, calm and super intelligent younger cousin is gone.
“So Dodo, was this what we agreed? Just last week I was in Nsukka and you called me so we could see, but because I had an impromptu appointment, I promised to see you this weekend.
“Just yesterday, you became so incommunicado that no member of your family could reach… only for me to come back from Lagos yesterday and today, it’s me visiting you in the mortuary so lifeless.
“Reading so many narratives online, yet the survivors still said it that you don’t do alcohol nor do drugs.
“Yes, investigations are still ongoing, but trust Umu Ezeomawulu won’t disappoint you… we will definitely get to the root.”
He further vowed that his community would seek answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Make I no allow emotions make me ask some vital questions and findings pending the outcome of the investigations.
“Farewell to the departed souls and may God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Rest in peace Nnamochie… Just know it that the root, we shall get to.
“Doodo, as I fondly call you… too difficult to say goodbye.”
The incident has continued to generate concern, with questions being raised about what happened during the gathering.
However, the actual cause of the students’ deaths has yet to be independently established, as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
