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NANS, NAUS mourn nurse found dead in Umahi’s home, demand probe

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigerian student associations NANS and NAUS are demanding a thorough investigation into the death of nurse Mary Habila, who was attached to David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences.
  • The student bodies extended condolences to Habila's family and colleagues, emphasizing the need for justice and a transparent process to determine the cause of her death.
  • They urged the public to avoid prejudicing legal proceedings, noting that the matter is before the court and that an autopsy has been called for by the Minister of Works.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have jointly called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila. Habila, a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences in Uburu, Ebonyi State, was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works at the time of her passing. The student organizations expressed deep sorrow over her death and extended heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

We received with great shock the painful demise of the promising young lady, Miss Mary Habila. At this difficult moment, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family, the Honourable Minister of Works, and all those affected by this painful loss.

— NANS and NAUSJoint statement mourning the death of Mary Habila.

In a joint statement, NANS and NAUS stressed the critical need for justice, insisting that the true circumstances surrounding Habila's death must be uncovered through a transparent inquiry. "We believe it is only just and fair to maintain an objective and unbiased position," the statement read. They acknowledged the proactive steps taken by the Honourable Minister of Works to ensure justice is served, including the call for an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of death.

The student bodies cautioned against public speculation that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings. They emphasized that the matter is already before the court and urged Nigerians to refrain from drawing conclusions that might compromise fairness. "As bodies committed to justice and fairness, we caution individuals or groups exploiting the situation to suit their sentiments. The law is clear and must be followed strictly without bias. It is only fair that we all maintain the position that everyone is innocent until proven guilty," they stated.

We believe it is only just and fair to maintain an objective and unbiased position.

— NANS and NAUSEmphasizing the need for a fair investigation into Habila's death.

NANS and NAUS affirmed their commitment to advocating for justice and fairness, pledging to closely monitor the investigation's outcome. They reiterated their role as pressure groups dedicated to speaking for the oppressed and championing an equitable system. The death of Mary Habila has garnered significant public attention, prompting widespread calls for clarity and accountability.

As bodies committed to justice and fairness, we caution individuals or groups exploiting the situation to suit their sentiments. The law is clear and must be followed strictly without bias. It is only fair that we all maintain the position that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

— NANS and NAUSWarning against public speculation that could prejudice the legal process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.