By Favour Ulebor
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has disputed reports linking the death of Nigerian medical graduate, Marian Nnani, to a Russian military strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, saying there is no confirmed information on what caused her death.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased over their loss.
It said it had taken note of reports published, alleging that the student died as a result of a Russian Armed Forces operation in Kharkiv, but maintained that there was no confirmed information establishing whose actions led to her death.
The statement in parts, “The Embassy emphasizes that at the moment there is no confirmed information on whose actions really caused the death of the student. It is widely known that the chaotic operation of the Ukrainian air defense is the primary cause of civil casualties.
“The Embassy reiterates that Russian Armed Forces execute strikes precisely at military-purpose installations of the Ukrainian regime and never target civilians or social infrastructure.”
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an earlier statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said it 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.
The ministry said Marian “reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during a Russian aerial attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine.”
It added that the Federal Government had extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and the Nigerian community affected by the tragedy.
The ministry also said it was in contact with the relevant authorities and Nigeria’s missions in Ukraine and Germany to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide the necessary consular assistance to the family.
It further reiterated Nigeria’s concern over the continued loss of civilian lives arising from the conflict and renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging 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.
