The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has confirmed the death of four students following an off-campus party in the university's host community, with six other persons currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at a lodge in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, Enugu State, where 10 persons reportedly gathered for a party organised to celebrate a student's completion of his final-year examination.

The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortunaya, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the campus, explaining that four of the victims died at the scene while the remaining six were rushed to hospital.

According to him, the university received a distress call at about 10pm on November 11, prompting the immediate deployment of its security personnel to the location.

He said the incident occurred at a lodge identified as Praise Lot Lodge, around the Hilltop community, on the outskirts of the university campus.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university was deeply saddened by the development, describing it as a tragic loss and extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

In a statement published on its Facebook page, the university said the victims reportedly consumed substances suspected to be alcohol and drugs, adding that the six survivors were at different stages of recovery.

The university also declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased, during which all social and academic activities would be suspended.

Ortunaya described the incident as "a death too many", stressing the need for students to exercise caution and avoid activities capable of endangering their lives.

He reiterated the university's position against graduation and sign-out parties, urging students to regard the completion of their academic programmes as an opportunity for reflection and preparation for life beyond the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the suspension of a town-hall meeting earlier scheduled between the university community and the Enugu State Governor.

He said the university was cooperating with security agencies to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Meanwhile, the President of the UNN chapter of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, Onah Olisaemeka, and its Secretary, Obasi Chibuike, confirmed the incident but clarified that the victims were not pharmacy students, contrary to earlier reports.