How Nigerian student trapped in Ukraine died weeks after evacuation

Uzaifa Modach, one of the Nigerians evacuated from war-torn Ukraine, is dead.

The deceased, who was a final year student of Zaporozhye State Medical University, Ukraine, was evacuated from Europe two weeks ago.

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Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved $8.5 million for the evacuation of 5000 Nigerians from the country.

Daily Trust had reported how Air Peace and Max Air flights brought back over 1000 Nigerians who were initially trapped in Ukraine.

Sadly, Modach who was among those brought back to the country, died from Pneumonia-like ailment some days ago.

Speaking to Daily Trust, father of the deceased student, Hon Halilu Modach, who is a member of Sokoto State House of Assembly, said his son had symptoms of pneumonia before he died.

The lawmaker said he was preparing for his final-year examination when the Russia-Ukrainian war began.

According to the member representing Isa constituency at the Sokoto Assembly, Uzaifa was brought back to the country in good health.

“They were evacuated by the Nigerian government due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Just two days to his death, he started presenting some symptoms of pneumonia.

“We took him to the hospital where he started receiving treatment. And two days later, he died. His death happened on Friday.”

In a separate remark, the lawmaker was quoted to have said, “Alhamdu Lilah, God gives, takes away life, and that’s how he wanted it to happen, there is no doubt about it. Had it been he died in Ukraine so many things would be said about him, that he was either killed by the Russian bombardment or had an accident or even accidentally shot and killed by the Ukrainian Army.

“We are grateful to God for having him die before us, we also thank the Nigerian government particularly Sokoto state for taking a hasty decision to evacuate them before the full escalation of the War in Ukraine.”