NANS, NAUS Demand Thorough Probe Into Death Of Nurse Mary Habila

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, saying justice must be allowed to take its course.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Senate President of NANS, Ibeabuchi Onyia, and the President of NAUS, Meshach Nwankwo, described Habila’s death as shocking and heartbreaking, while extending 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 said.

The student bodies also sympathised with all those affected by the incident, including the Honourable Minister of Works.

“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,” they added.

While mourning the deceased, NANS and NAUS stressed that the actual circumstances surrounding Habila’s death should be determined through a transparent and credible investigation.

“We believe it is only just and fair to maintain an objective and unbiased position,” the associations said.

They commended the Minister of Works for requesting an autopsy to establish the cause of death, describing the move as a step towards ensuring justice.

“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 statement noted.

The student organisations also cautioned members of the public against making premature judgments or exploiting the incident to advance personal or sectional interests, noting that the matter is already before a competent 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.

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to advocating justice and fairness, assuring that they would closely monitor the investigation and legal proceedings.

“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 with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works before her death.

The incident has sparked widespread public concern, with renewed calls from stakeholders for a transparent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her demise and ensure that justice is served.