The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of four persons reportedly identified as students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), following an alleged academic sign-out celebration at Hilltop Hostel, Nsukka.

The development comes amid reports of the mysterious deaths of fresh UNN graduates shortly after their graduation celebrations, throwing the university community into mourning.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims, comprising two males and two females, reportedly took ill after allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages during the gathering on Wednesday, November 11.

According to the police, six other students were also rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the four victims were confirmed dead on arrival.

The Command disclosed that alcoholic beverages were recovered from the scene, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

It said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of the deaths.

“The Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the cause of the deaths. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement said.

The police urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation as efforts continue to unravel what led to the deaths.

The statement was signed by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, and dated November 12, 2026.

The Enugu State Tourism Board has denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah directed it to deny former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the use of Michael Okpara Square for a political rally.

The Executive Chairman of the board, Dame Rita Mbah, said the governor had no involvement in the decision, insisting that the facility was already fully booked for government and other activities during the Christmas and New Year period.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Mbah described reports alleging that the governor ordered the rejection of Obi and the NDC’s request as false and misleading.

She explained that a representative of the group approached the manager of Michael Okpara Square, in her presence, to request the use of the facility but was informed that all available dates had already been booked weeks earlier.

According to her, the representative was subsequently informed of the booking situation but insisted on submitting the request letter.

She alleged that the individual practically forced the receipt of the letter on her and resorted to verbal abuse, which continued even after she disengaged from the conversation.

The Tourism Board chairman added that more than five persons witnessed the incident.

Mbah further explained that other applicants, including religious organisations, had also been unable to secure the facility because their applications were submitted after the available dates had been booked.

She maintained that the decision was strictly based on the existing booking schedule and had nothing to do with the political affiliation of the applicants.

“I received no instruction or communication from Governor Mbah concerning the request. The matter was handled strictly in accordance with the facility’s existing booking schedule,” she stated.

The chairman described the allegation that Governor Mbah personally directed the rejection of the request as an attempt to manufacture a political controversy.

“It is unacceptable to manufacture a story, attribute it to the Governor and present it as fact without a single documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. The public deserves facts, not fabricated narratives designed to whip up political sentiments,” she added.

She expressed confidence that her clarification would put the circumstances surrounding the request in their proper perspective.

The statement was signed by Dame Rita Mbah, Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, and dated November 12, 2026.U

The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has honoured Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and transforming the state’s health sector.

The prestigious award was presented to Mbah during the Guild’s 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in Enugu on Thursday. The event brought together medical professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues and challenges in the healthcare industry.

The conference was themed, “The Business of Medicine in the Present Economic and Security Challenges in Nigeria,” with the sub-theme, “Digital Health, Telemedicine, Integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and AI Tools Without Breaking the Bank.”

Receiving the award, Mbah expressed appreciation to the association for choosing Enugu State as the host of its annual gathering.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state’s health sector through strategic investments, modern infrastructure and improved access to quality healthcare services.

He particularly highlighted the state-of-the-art 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, which is expected to commence operations soon.

According to him, the hospital represents one of his administration’s landmark investments aimed at expanding the state’s capacity to provide world-class medical services.

“The 300-bed Enugu International Hospital will definitely reduce the need for residents to travel outside the country for specialised healthcare,” he said.

Earlier, the National President of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Raymond Kuti, commended Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership and the strides recorded in the state’s health sector.

Kuti emphasised the importance of sustained government commitment to building a stronger, more efficient and accessible healthcare system.

The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, Medical Director of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu.

Similarly, Prof. Emmanuel Chino Iyidobi, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, delivered the sub-theme presentation, focusing on the opportunities and practical applications of digital technologies in modern medical practice.

The recognition of Governor Mbah by the Guild further underscores the association’s acknowledgement of his administration’s efforts to transform Enugu State’s healthcare landscape through innovation, infrastructure development and strategic partnerships.

The 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference also reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and private medical practitioners in addressing prevailing economic and security challenges while embracing digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and sustainable for Nigerians.

The gathering provided a platform for critical discussions on the sustainability, innovation and future of medical practice in Nigeria.