FG mourns Nigerian Medical Graduate Killed in Russian Attack on Ukraine
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a 23-year-old Nigerian medical graduate, Nnani Adaobi Marian, who was reportedly killed after sustaining injuries during a Russian aerial attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. 
In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government said it received the news of Marian’s death with “profound sadness”, describing the incident as a tragic consequence of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to the ministry, Marian was a graduate of Kharkiv National Medical University.
The statementread: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received with profound sadness the news of the death of Miss Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old Nigerian medical graduate of Kharkiv National Medical University, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during a Russian aerial attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine.”
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as members of the Nigerian community affected by the loss.
The ministry said it was working with the relevant authorities and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and provide support to the family.
“The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and the Nigerian community affected by this tragic loss. The Ministry prays that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives her family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“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”, it added.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding position on the war, the government expressed concern over the continuing loss of civilian lives and renewed its call for an end to the conflict.
“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. Nigeria urges all parties to embrace dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“Nigeria remains committed to the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad and will continue to monitor developments closely while providing all necessary support through its diplomatic missions”, the statement further read.
