Magnus Aluma
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has called for autopsy to establish the cause of death of the late physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who worked at the David Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Anchor Reporters gathered that until her death, Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski were employees of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, DUFUS, and had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja, as physiotherapists for the past three years.
Reports had earlier alleged that the physiotherapist died in Umahi’s country home at Uburu.
A release signed by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze, said the Minister received the news with shock and sadness and has since extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
The statement explained that immediately the incident occurred, appropriate emergency steps were taken by medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu.
Nwaeze also said in the release that police were immediately notified of the incident.
The release quotes Umahi as saying that he was convinced that autopsy remained the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the woman’s death.
The minister urged the public to exercise restraint, refrain from speculations or premature conclusions, and allow relevant authorities to carry out their duties without interference.
The release reads in part: “the attention of the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has been drawn to a publication concerning the unfortunate passing of Miss Mary Habila in Uburu, Ebonyi State, alleging that the circumstances surrounding her death were shrouded in secrecy.
“The Honourable Minister received the news with profound shock and sadness and has since extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“For the avoidance of doubt, immediately the unfortunate incident occurred, appropriate emergency steps were taken.
“Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police was promptly notified in accordance with the law.
“Following confirmation of Miss Habila’s passing, the Honourable Minister personally received her parents, conveyed his sincere condolences, and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically establish the exact cause of her death.”
At the time of this report, there was no indication that the family of the deceased has accepted Umahi’s recommendation.
Even at that, the Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted.
He said he was convinced that it was the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident.
“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased, and we pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he stated.
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