The flag of Nigeria, where an Israeli businessman was killed while trying to flee a robbery. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – An Israeli businessman died in Nigeria while trying to flee a robbery.

Robbers reportedly tried to kidnap 42-year-old Nir Rosmarin, who was working in the African country for a construction firm, for ransom. Initial reports indicate that Rosmarin was shot as he was escaping the assailants.

“[Rosmarin] was a dear friend of ours” and “a dear friend of the Chabad center and a dear friend of many others,” said Rabbi Israel Uzan, co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Nigeria, Chabad.orgreported.

Efforts are reportedly being made to bring Rosmarin’s body back to Israel for burial.

“Judaism places a premium on respecting those of us who are most vulnerable, those who are no longer alive. As the home to the Godly soul, which is literally a part of God, we believe that the body must be accorded the highest form of dignity,” Uzan said.