Unizik student collapses while playing football near Elmada Hostel. The tragic loss of Tochi Attah leaves campus and family in deep mourning
Unizik student collapses during a routine football game, sending shockwaves through the academic community and his home village of Useh.
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The sudden loss of Tochi Attah, a 300-level Microbiology student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has cast a dark cloud over the institution and those who knew him.
The tragic event reportedly took place on Monday afternoon, close to the Elmada Hostel area within the campus.
Tochi Attah, fondly known as “T-Funds” among his peers, was widely respected for his friendly nature and academic determination.
According to reports, he had only recently made the decision to change his course from Microbiology to a medical programme, hoping to pursue a different path in life. That aspiration, unfortunately, ended abruptly during a casual football match.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as utterly shocking. One student, who requested anonymity, stated, “He just fell.
At first, we thought he was joking or maybe pretending. But it became clear very quickly that something was seriously wrong.” Despite attempts to revive him, it was too late. Tochi was pronounced dead shortly after.
News of his passing was made public by Sabastine Aku, President of Useh Youths, who issued a heartfelt statement on behalf of both the Attah family and the entire Useh Village community.
The message read, “With heavy heart but total submission to God’s will, the Attah family and entire Useh Village sadly announce the passing of our son, brother and friend, Late Tochi Martins (a.k.a ‘T-Funds Exchange’), younger brother to Dr Simon Attah, the current Party chairman All Progressives Congress, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State.
He departed suddenly while playing football. May God accept his soul and grant the family comfort during this difficult time.”
The family’s grief is compounded by the loss of such a promising young man whose future looked bright. His older brother, Dr Simon Attah, remains deeply devastated by the tragedy.
Friends and community members have also expressed profound sorrow, flooding social media with tributes and memories of the late student.
University officials responded promptly to the incident. On Tuesday, Ken Chukwurah, the Chief Safety Officer at UNIZIK, confirmed the news and shared initial details about the situation.
“He was our student, but he was not staying at Elmada Hostel. The incident happened on Monday; the school is aware of it. We are still investigating to be sure of what happened and how it happened,” he said.
Tochi’s sudden death has reignited discussions about the need for better emergency response protocols on campuses.
Many students are calling for an increase in trained medical personnel and accessible first-aid equipment during sports and recreational activities.
While investigations continue, some are questioning whether the tragedy might have been prevented with quicker medical attention.
The campus remains in a state of mourning. Classes in his department were temporarily suspended as a sign of respect.
A candlelight vigil is being organised by fellow students who are determined to honour his memory and ensure he is never forgotten.
“Tochi was the kind of person who always lifted others. His smile, his energy, his dreams—he was unforgettable,” said a close friend, visibly shaken by the loss.
As the university and his community come to terms with this devastating incident, many hope that lasting changes will emerge to protect other students from similar fates.
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For now, the loss of Tochi Attah remains a haunting reminder of how fragile life can be, even for the young and hopeful.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
