A somber atmosphere enveloped the Ifite-Awka area of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, following the death of a male student from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on Thursday evening.
The student, whose identity has not yet been made public, reportedly jumped from the third floor of a private lodge near Royal Kitchen Junction. Eyewitnesses allege that he may have ingested a substance believed to be mkpurummiri, a dangerous narcotic, prior to the incident.
According to accounts from residents nearby, a loud noise was heard as the student fell. He was discovered critically injured on the ground and was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
One witness stated, “We heard a heavy thud and ran out. He was lying in a pool of blood. It was a devastating scene.”
Residents who later entered the student’s room found his roommate in a disoriented state, also suspected to be under the influence of the same substance. The roommate is currently in custody and will be questioned once he is medically stable.
Confirming the incident, UNIZIK’s Chief Safety Officer, Ken Chukwurah, explained that the event occurred outside the university’s premises, in a privately managed lodge. He emphasized that the school does not regulate such off-campus accommodations.
“We are still investigating to determine exactly what happened and to confirm the student’s identity,” Chukwurah said.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details surrounding the tragic event and inform the student’s family.
