UNIZIK student dies after reportedly jumping from lodge balcony

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening in Awka, Anambra State, as a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) lost his life after reportedly jumping from the third floor of a lodge near Royal Kitchen Junction in the Ifite area.

According to eyewitnesses, the student—whose identity has not yet been disclosed pending notification of his family—allegedly ingested a hard substance suspected to be mkpurummiri before the fatal fall from the balcony.

Bystanders rushed to the scene in an attempt to save him, but despite their efforts, he was confirmed dead shortly after being taken to a nearby medical facility.

One witness recounted, “We suddenly heard a loud thud yesterday (Thursday) evening, prompting a rush to the scene where the young man was found lying in a pool of his own blood, critically injured.

“The victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of his family, was identified as a tenant in the lodge. Shockingly, when concerned residents checked his room, his roommate was found in an incoherent state, allegedly under the influence of the same substances they had taken earlier.

“Despite efforts to save him, the student was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities are working diligently to contact the deceased’s family and investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The roommate, who was reportedly found disoriented in their shared room, is currently in police custody and is expected to be questioned once his condition stabilizes.

Speaking on the matter, UNIZIK’s Chief Safety Officer, Ken Chukwurah, verified the tragic event and clarified that it occurred at an off-campus residence.

Chukwurah stated, “We are still investigating to be sure of what happened, how it happened and the proper identity of the victim.

“It happened in a private lodge outside the school, and we don’t have control over who is admitted to such lodges.”

Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the student’s death.

(PUNCH)