The National Association of Nigerian Students and the National Association of University Students 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.

The student bodies made the call in a joint statement released on Thursday, signed by the Senate President of NANS, Ibeabuchi Onyia, and the President of NAUS, Meshach Nwankwo, describing Habila's death as painful and 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 read, adding, "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 her death, the associations stressed the need for justice, insisting that the true cause of Habila's death must be established through a transparent process. "We believe it is only just and fair to maintain an objective and unbiased position," they stated.

NANS and NAUS commended the Minister of Works for calling for an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of death, describing the step as proactive.

The organisations also urged Nigerians to avoid drawing conclusions that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings, noting that the matter was already before a court. "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 cautioned.

The associations vowed to continue monitoring the outcome of the investigation, maintaining that they would remain firm in advocating for justice. "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, who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works at the time of her death, has attracted widespread public attention, with the case generating continued calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.