Nigeria has recorded its first death of coronavirus.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) announced this on its Monday update. The deceased is identified as Suleiman Achimugu, former managing director , Petroleum Products Marketing Company(PPMC).
According to NCDC, the 67-year old who returned from the United Kingdom had underlying medical issues and had been undergoing chemotherapy
In a statement issued by the family said Mr Achimugu died of the virus on Sunday
The statement reads:
“Inna_Lillahi_wa_inna_ilayhi_rajiun
” 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 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.
“Please maintain the public social distancing and restriction advice as we all walk through this very difficult time.
“He has since been buried according to Islamic rites. May Allah SWA have mercy on him. Ameen
ABUBAKAR ACHIMUGU
FOR THE Family.”
Outbreak
The death was announced about an hour after the country confirmed five new cases of Covid-19, bringing to 35 the total number of cases in the country.