The nursing communities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria are reeling from the shock of the untimely death of Nnena Miriam, a Nigerian nurse based in Leeds. Her lifeless body was discovered in her apartment by UK police after she was reported missing, a situation that has raised numerous concerns, as detailed by Fellow Nurses Africa, a platform dedicated to supporting and uplifting African nurses.
Alarm bells rang when Miriam failed to attend work and did not respond to calls from concerned friends. A close friend, troubled by her uncharacteristic silence, filed a missing person report, leading police to discover her deceased in her home.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Fellow Nurses Africa expressed their profound sorrow: “It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we report the sudden passing of one of our own, Nnena Miriam, a dedicated and professional nurse based in Leeds, United Kingdom. Nurse Miriam was found dead in her room earlier this week under heartbreaking circumstances. Reports indicate that her last shift was on Sunday of the previous week.”
The organization went on to highlight the distress experienced by her friends: “Alarm bells were raised when her close friend tried reaching out to her repeatedly from that Sunday without success. Growing increasingly worried, the friend filed a missing person report—only for the police to later discover her lifeless body in her apartment.”
Adding to the tragedy, it was revealed that Miriam had recently returned to the UK after attending her introduction ceremony in Nigeria, a customary prelude to her traditional marriage. “Tuesday, April 29, was meant to be her special day—a day of joy, celebration, and new beginnings,” the statement continued. “Instead, her sudden death has left colleagues and loved ones overwhelmed with unspeakable grief and unanswered questions.”
Her colleagues fondly remembered her as a compassionate and resilient professional who dedicated herself fully to her nursing work. “Her untimely passing is a profound loss to the healthcare family she served with pride and to the many patients whose lives she touched with care and compassion,” said the organization.
As the investigation into her death continues, Fellow Nurses Africa extended their condolences to Miriam’s family and friends while emphasizing their solidarity with the global African nursing community during this tragic time.