A 23-year-old Nigerian medical graduate has died from injuries sustained during a Russian aerial attack in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
Nnani Adaobi Marian, who recently graduated from Kharkiv National Medical University, succumbed to her injuries following a strike in the region, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The West African nation’s government expressed “profound sadness” over her death and extended condolences to her 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’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement.
Nigerian authorities said they were in contact with diplomatic missions in Kyiv and Berlin to verify the exact circumstances of the incident and arrange consular assistance for the family.
Call for peace
Historically, thousands of African students—including a large contingent from Nigeria—have studied in Ukraine, drawn by its affordable and well-regarded medical and engineering programmes.
While many fled following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, some students and recent graduates chose to stay or returned to finish their qualifications despite the ongoing danger.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, sits just 30km (19 miles) from the Russian border and has faced relentless missile, drone, and guided-bomb attacks in recent months.
In the wake of the tragedy, Nigeria renewed its calls 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,” Mr Ebienfa said.
The government urged all parties to “embrace dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes”.
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