By Our reporter
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has announced a strict restriction on social events, mandating that all campus gatherings must end by 6:00 p.m., following the tragic death of a guest who was stabbed during a student-organized bonfire night.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 12, during a social event hosted by the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. The victim, identified as Chiebonam Nweze, popularly known as Power Autos, was not a student of the institution but was invited to the event as a guest.
Eyewitnesses said Nweze was attacked by a group of individuals from a nearby community after a dispute related to his vehicle. The confrontation turned violent when he was reportedly blocked from leaving the scene and stabbed in the throat. He died before help could arrive.
In response, the university management issued a directive banning evening and late-night social events across all its campuses, including Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku Ozalla. The new rule requires that all social gatherings conclude by 6:00 p.m. and be supervised by the University Security Department.
Inya E. Inya, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, confirmed the decision in an official statement, describing the incident as a serious breach of campus safety. He noted that the gathering had been infiltrated by “miscreants” from outside the university community, which ultimately led to the violence.
Security personnel, including the university’s internal team and operatives from the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cult Unit, have since launched an investigation into the incident. Several arrests have reportedly been made, although authorities have yet to release further details.
The university expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and assured students, staff, and the wider public of its renewed commitment to safety on campus. It also urged all departments and student groups to strictly adhere to the new event guidelines.
The development has sparked widespread concern within the university community. Many students and staff have welcomed the measure as necessary for safety, while others have raised questions about security lapses and the presence of non-students at campus events.
As the investigation continues, the university has pledged to tighten access control and improve coordination between students and security officials. The new restrictions are expected to remain in place indefinitely.
