A 24 year old student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has narrated how he regained consciousness hours after collapsing at an off campus party that left four students dead in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The survivor, who studies Art Education, said he lost consciousness after one of the party participants vomited. When he eventually came around several hours later, he found the host and other guests lying motionless on the floor.
Recounting the disturbing incident, the student explained that the gathering was organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
According to him, David purchased two bottles of alcoholic drinks, Magic Moment and Best, which they took to his residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka. About 10 people were present at the gathering, which began at approximately 11:30 a.m.
The students reportedly shared the drinks while playing Truth or Dare. However, what started as a celebration soon turned into a frightening experience.
The survivor said one of the participants began vomiting during the gathering. He took the person to the toilet and asked him to clean himself up before returning to the parlour to clean the vomit on the floor.
He recalled that shortly afterwards, he suddenly became unconscious and noticed that his legs had become stiff, making it difficult for him to walk.
“I suddenly lost consciousness. I noticed that my legs had become stiff, and I could no longer walk.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that a ghost was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he said.
The student said he immediately called a friend for help. Although the friend came to the house and saw the condition of those present, he reportedly left without arranging their rescue.
He also expressed disappointment over the actions of another individual who arrived at the scene and allegedly began recording the victims instead of making efforts to get them medical attention.
He eventually contacted another friend, who came to their assistance and helped transport them to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
Providing further details about the circumstances of the gathering, the survivor said everyone was inside the parlour with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. He added that the fan inside the room was switched on.
He also dismissed suggestions that the students might have taken illicit drugs, maintaining that alcohol was the only substance consumed at the party.
“We didn’t smoke, and there were no drugs there. We took only alcohol. We had just two bottles for about 10 people, so the quantity each person drank was very little, not even up to a quarter of a party cup,” he explained.
The survivor disclosed that his legs remained stiff, although his condition was gradually improving. He also confirmed that the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Otuanya, had visited him to check on his health.
Some local government representatives, friends and police officers had also visited, he said.
According to the student, police officers questioned him about whether the participants had disagreements with anyone or whether he suspected that the drinks might have been tampered with.
He said several people had raised similar questions, but he had no reason to suspect that anyone deliberately poisoned the drinks.
“People have been asking me whether someone poisoned the drinks. Even the police officers who came asked whether we had issues with anyone or suspected anybody.
“But the host is not someone who keeps malice. I also saw him lying on the floor when I regained consciousness. His brother later confirmed that he was receiving treatment at Bishop Shanahan Hospital,” he said.
Looking back on the incident, the student described it as a terrifying experience that had completely changed his attitude towards alcohol.
He said it was the first time he had consumed alcohol and experienced such a condition, adding that he no longer intended to drink again.
“This was the first time I took alcohol and experienced such a condition. I think this will be the last time I will ever take alcohol,” he said.
