UNN Lodge Tragedy: No Pharmacy Student Among Victims, PANS Clarifies
By Wilfred Chukwuma
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Chapter, has debunked reports linking seven pharmacy students to the tragic incident at End in Praise Lodge, Hilltop, Nsukka, insisting that no pharmacy student has so far been identified among the victims.
The clarification followed widespread reports and apprehension within the university community that seven fresh pharmacy graduates had died following a sign-out party.
In a press statement dated November 12, 2026, and jointly signed by the association’s President, Comr. Onah Olisaemeka A., and Secretary-General, Comr. Obasi Chibuike V., PANS described the reports as unverified, stressing that there was no confirmed evidence indicating that any pharmacy student was among those affected by the incident.
Providing details of its efforts to establish the facts, the PANS President disclosed that he personally visited Faith Foundation Hospital, where the remains of four victims, comprising two males and two females, had been deposited in the mortuary.
According to the statement, the president personally viewed the bodies but could not identify any of the deceased as a pharmacy student.
The association further disclosed that its enquiries into the condition of other victims revealed that two familiar UNN social media personalities, popularly known for street vlogging and dance content, respectively, were among those hospitalised.
The two personalities, identified by their popular social media identities as Rymez and Golden, were said to be receiving medical attention following the incident.
Expressing concern over the anxiety generated by the circulating reports, PANS appealed to pharmacy students, their parents, friends and the entire university community to exercise restraint and refrain from disseminating information that had not been independently verified.
“We understand the anxiety and concern this information may have generated, particularly among pharmacy students, their families, friends, and the wider university community. We therefore urge everyone to exercise restraint, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on credible updates rather than speculation,” the statement read.
The association also assured its members and the university community that it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the incident and communicate any relevant information as soon as it was verified.
PANS, however, expressed sympathy with all those affected by the tragedy, extending its thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and everyone impacted by the unfortunate occurrence.
While investigations and further enquiries into the incident continue, the association’s clarification is expected to ease concerns among pharmacy students and their families, particularly those apprehensive over reports suggesting that members of their academic community were among the casualties.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
