Nigerian Government reacts to death of Nigerian medical graduate injured in Russian airstrike

Federal  Government has expressed condolences over the  death of Nnani Marian, the Nigerian medical graduate who died after sustaining  injuries in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said it received with sadness the news of the death of the 23-year-old graduate of Kharkiv National Medical University.

According to the ministry, Miss Marian died from injuries she sustained during a Russian aerial attack in Kharkiv.

“The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and the Nigerian community affected by this tragic loss,” the statement said.

The ministry said it is working with the relevant authorities and Nigeria’s missions in Ukraine and Germany to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide consular assistance to her family.

“The Ministry is in contact with the relevant authorities as well as Nigeria’s Missions in Ukraine and Germany to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident and to provide the necessary consular assistance to the family,” the statement added.

The government also expressed concern over the continued loss of civilian lives in the war in Ukraine and renewed its call for an end to the fighting.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates its deep concern over the continuing loss of civilian lives arising from the ongoing conflict and renews its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities,” the ministry said.

It urged all parties involved in the conflict to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy in line with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ministry also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the welfare of its citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments through the country’s diplomatic missions.

Marian was injured on June 29 when Russian forces dropped aerial bombs on the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv.

She was treated in Ukraine before being transferred to Germany, where she later died while receiving treatment.

Her death was confirmed on Monday by Kharkiv National Medical University, which said she had completed her medical studies and was due to graduate this year.

According to earlier reports, Marian and her friend Fatima Huseynova were on their way to a graduation photoshoot when the attack occurred.

Miss Huseynova died at the scene, while Marian was taken to hospital with serious injuries before being moved to Germany for further treatment. Twelve other people were also injured in the airstrike.