The National Association of Nigerian Students and the National Association of University Students have mourned the death of Miss Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, calling for a thorough, impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
In a joint statement released on Thursday and signed by the Senate President of NANS, Ibeabuchi Onyia, and the President of NAUS, Meshach Nwankwo, the student bodies described Habila’s death as painful and extended condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
“We received with great shock the painful demise of the promising young lady, Miss Mary Habila,” the statement read.
The associations added, “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.”
While mourning the deceased, NANS and NAUS stressed the need for justice, insisting that the true cause of Habila’s death must be established through a transparent investigation.
“We believe it is only just and fair to maintain an objective and unbiased position.”
They further stated, “We commend the Honourable Minister of Works for taking proactive steps to ensure that justice is served and for calling for an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of Miss Mary Habila’s death.”
The student organisations urged Nigerians to refrain from drawing conclusions that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings, noting that the matter was already before a court.
“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 said.
NANS and NAUS maintained that they would continue to advocate for justice and fairness, adding that they would closely monitor the outcome of the investigation.
“We will continue to act decisively in speaking for the oppressed and advocating for a just and equitable system. We will never compromise as the foremost and most formidable pressure groups in the country,” the statement added.
Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works before her death.
The incident has attracted widespread public attention and generated calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
