UNIZIK student dies after jumping from 3-storey building

DDM News

A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has died in tragic circumstances after allegedly leaping from a three-storey building following substance abuse.

The shocking incident was reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), which confirmed that the unfortunate event occurred on Thursday evening around 8:00 pm near Royal Kitchen Junction, not far from the university’s main gate in Awka, Anambra State.

Eyewitnesses and local residents claim that the deceased had consumed a dangerous narcotic popularly known as mkpuru mmiri, a local name for methamphetamine.

The student reportedly jumped from the top floor of a three-storey lodge, leading to critical injuries that proved fatal.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by bystanders, but was declared dead on arrival.

The tragic event has sent shockwaves across the university community, with many expressing concern over the growing use of synthetic drugs among students.

Residents around the lodge recounted hearing a loud thud, only to discover the student lying in a pool of blood moments later.

Further investigations led to the discovery of the deceased’s roommate, who was also believed to have taken the same substance.

Reports say the roommate was found in a disoriented and semi-conscious state within their shared room.

The police have since taken the roommate into custody, though he remains under medical supervision and is yet to be questioned due to his unstable condition.

As of press time, the identity of the deceased student remains unknown, as authorities are still attempting to contact his next of kin.

UNIZIK officials and the state police have yet to release a formal statement confirming the incident.

The police have, however, begun investigations into the matter, with the possibility of conducting toxicology tests to determine the exact substance consumed.

Local security sources disclosed that the area has seen a rise in drug-related cases among youth, with mkpuru mmiri being one of the most notorious culprits.

Methamphetamine, known in southeastern Nigeria as mkpuru mmiri (translated as “crystal seed”), has been identified as a growing threat to public health, especially among young Nigerians.

It is a highly addictive stimulant that causes severe mental and physical effects, often leading to paranoia, hallucinations, and erratic behavior.

Experts say prolonged use of the drug can cause irreversible brain damage and violent tendencies.

Several awareness campaigns have been launched in Anambra State and beyond to curb its spread, yet access remains alarmingly easy among students and unemployed youth.

Community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to intensify enforcement and rehabilitation measures to prevent such fatal incidents.

Concerned citizens have taken to social media to express grief and outrage, urging stakeholders to address the root causes of drug addiction in academic environments.

Many say this tragic death should serve as a wake-up call to school authorities and government agencies responsible for drug control and youth welfare.

Mental health advocates are also calling for increased awareness and counselling support within campuses to help students facing psychological or substance-related struggles.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the university remains somber, as fellow students try to come to terms with the loss of one of their own under such heartbreaking circumstances.

Authorities are appealing to members of the public with any useful information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

More updates are expected as the situation unfolds and the authorities finalize efforts to notify the student’s family.

For now, the tragic end of this UNIZIK student adds to a growing list of casualties linked to hard drugs in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

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