Strange Illness Hits Enugu University As 13 Students Reportedly Die Within A Few Weeks

Palpable tension has taken over the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

This is because a strange Illness has reportedly killed 13 students in just a few weeks.

The unfortunate incident has caused anxiety among students and staff of the school but the university management has reportedly downplayed the situation, SaharaReporters learnt.

Sources told SaharaReporters that as of Thursday, no fewer than 13 students had died from the strange Illness. 

"All the students that fell sick in the school and were taken to hospital died and the cause of their death is unknown. We want the government to take drastic measures now before it becomes a pandemic.

"I know the school authorities are also worried about the whole thing but unfortunately they're still playing to the gallery. 

"We don't know whether it is airborne disease or water-borne disease that caused it and that is why the government of Enugu and the Ministry of Health should move into the school to prevent further escalation," one of the sources in the school said. 

Meanwhile, one Rev. Godwin O Onah, described the situation at ESUT as dire and in need of urgent intervention.

He said, "There are massive mysterious deaths at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and Enugu State Government and the school management are adamant about it. 

"The Enugu State Government or Federal Government should close the school immediately to avert further deaths."

However, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South East Zone has called for the immediate closure of the university till further notice to allow for proper investigation into the cause of the outbreak of the strange ailment.

NANS which made the call in a statement issued on Thursday titled: "Call To Shut Down Enugu State University Of Science & Technology (ESUT) Immediately," warned that it would not stand idly while the lives and welfare of students were endangered.

The statement which came from the office of the NANS Zonal Coordinator, South East unequivocally said that the "leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone F-Southeast expresses our deepest concern and utmost dismay over the frequent and tragic death of our students in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). 

"Our investigations have shown a high level of negligence on the part of the school administration, ranging from non-functional student clinic, which is a major factor for the unfortunate death of our students.

"In the light of these disturbing findings, the leadership of NANS Zone F has decided to order the immediate shutdown of the institution from tomorrow being 24th of August 2023, till further notice. 

"This action is necessary to allow us to engage in extensive meetings with relevant stakeholders including the university management, medical experts, security agencies, and student representatives.

"Failure to shut down the institution with immediate effect, we will be compelled to escalate our actions and the university management should get ready to contend with the armless battalion army of Nigerian students in the zone.

"The leadership of NANS Zone F is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will not stand idly while the lives and welfare of our students are endangered, as we seek a quick intervention to this crisis, we urge all our students in ESUT to return to their respective homes where they will be safe till further notice.

"May the souls of our dear departed students rest in peace."