North Cyprus president sympathize with families of 9-year-old Nigerian child who died following a brief illness: Death causes public reaction

Lefkoşa, 4 November 2025 — The death of nine-year-old Chinyere Olivia Ojoagu, who passed away after being admitted twice to hospital due to illness, has prompted widespread public concern and an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Ojoagu, who resided with her family in Gazimağusa, was first taken to the Gazimağusa State Hospital on 2 November 2025 after experiencing symptoms resembling an epileptic seizure. According to a statement issued by the Lefkoşa Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital Directorate, doctors recommended hospitalization, but the child’s family declined and opted to take her home.

The following morning, on 3 November, Ojoagu’s condition worsened. She was brought back to the same hospital at around 7:30 a.m., where she was examined again and referred to the Pediatric Neurology Department of Lefkoşa Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital. She was later transferred by ambulance to the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Unit.

Hospital officials stated that the child was admitted at 10:15 a.m., suffered cardiac arrest around 11:00 a.m., and despite nearly an hour of advanced life support, she was pronounced dead at noon.

The hospital confirmed that a formal internal investigation has been launched and that an autopsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death. The results, the statement said, will be shared with the public “if deemed necessary.”

President Tufan Erhürman expressed deep sorrow over the young girl’s death and stated that authorities are in close contact with both the family and health officials. “We have lost a child of our land. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chinyere Olivia Ojoagu,” Erhürman wrote on social media. “We are in contact with the Ministry of Health, relevant authorities, and the family. Together with all institutions, we are following the matter closely. I extend my condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Gazi-Canbulat Primary School, where Ojoagu had been a student in previous years, released a message mourning her death: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved former student, Chinyere Olivia Ojoagu. Her bright smile, energy, and kind heart will always live in our memories. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”

The hospital directorate also conveyed condolences, stating: “We wish God’s mercy upon the child who passed away, and offer our deepest sympathies to her family and all who loved her.”

The Universal Patient Rights Association (EHHD) described the incident as not only a personal tragedy but also a reflection of “systemic shortcomings in the healthcare system.”

In a public statement, the association urged that the investigation be comprehensive, impartial, and independent, with civil society organizations included in the process.

EHHD questioned whether factors such as the child’s ethnic background, language, or lack of social security may have influenced the quality of medical care provided:

“Every child, regardless of origin, language, or nationality, must have equal and safe access to healthcare. Did Chinyere Olivia Ojoagu fully benefit from her right to health?”

The organization also raised concerns about the clarity of communication between medical staff and the family, asking whether the risks were explained in a language the parents could understand before they declined hospital admission.

“Informed consent is not merely a signature—it is a trust-based exchange of information between doctor and patient,” the statement read. “Was the family’s decision to refuse hospitalization truly informed? Responsibility cannot rest solely on the parents.”

Authorities confirmed that the police investigation remains ongoing, while the results of the autopsy are expected to shed light on the precise cause of the child’s death.