By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first death from coronavirus in Nigeria has been confirmed by the federal government as the total confirmed cases escalated to 36 persons.
The first fatal casualty from the disease is a 67-year-old former Managing Director of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Suleiman Achimugu, who returned from the United Kingdom and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which confirmed this on Monday morning, said the deceased died on Sunday and had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma and diabetes and was undergoing chemotherapy.
“The first #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded. The case was a 67-year-old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK.
“He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma & diabetes & was undergoing chemotherapy
“Our thoughts are with his family,” the agency said.
Also, family of the victim, in a statement to Channels TV, disclosed that before his death, Mr Achimugu was in self-isolation upon his return from the UK and personally called NCDC after experiencing some discomfort that is related to COVID 19 symptoms.
“Our family is deeply saddened to inform you of the sudden death of our beloved Father, Uncle, Brother, and friend. Engr. Suleiman Achimugu (former MD of PPMC).
“He died of COVID 19 on 22/03/2020 some days after he arrived in Nigeria from the UK. He was in self-isolation upon his return from the UK and personally called NCDC after experiencing some discomfort that are related to COVID 19 symptoms.
“He tested positive and was promptly evacuated to the specialist hospital. He died while receiving treatment.
“We implore the general public to pray upon his soul and the recovery of infected persons. Your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated,” the statement read in part.
Adedapo Adesanya