Lagos – A tragic incident unfolded as a young Nigerian student, Meshioye Remilekun Toyosi, traveling from Lagos to London via Egypt Air, became critically ill during the flight and later succumbed at a Cairo hospital.
Meshioye commenced her journey from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, with aspirations of landing in London. Unfortunately, her aspirations were short-lived.
According to Mrs. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, Meshioye’s elder sister, the family faced distressing hurdles while trying to obtain information from the airline. Efforts to reach Egypt Air proved futile as most calls went unanswered, and one conversation was abruptly ended by a representative.
However, through contact with the London Regional Office of Egypt Air, Mrs. Olaniyi-Alabi was informed that Meshioye fell critically ill on board. After landing in Cairo, she was promptly rushed to a local hospital, where she later passed away. The circumstances surrounding her sudden demise remain unclear.
The distraught family expressed frustration at Egypt Air for not taking the initiative to notify them directly about the incident. Instead, they were informed of the tragedy by the Nigerian consular office in Cairo.
Mr. Saliu Agraza, from the Nigerian Embassy, confirmed that the airline had informed them of Meshioye’s passing, but failed to provide additional details or contacts of her relatives. According to Mrs. Olaniyi-Alabi, the responsibility rests on the airline to clarify the circumstances of Meshioye’s death and repatriate her body to Nigeria, including all her possessions.
While the airline has yet to release an official statement, an anonymous high-ranking official acknowledged that Meshioye was indeed on the said flight. They added, “The airline took the necessary steps, including notifying the Nigerian Consulate in Cairo, after her sad passing.”
The family is now imploring the Nigerian authorities, notably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to conduct a comprehensive investigation. They earnestly seek answers, clarity, and assistance in returning their loved one home.
