The former Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing Monitoring Corporation (PPMC), Suleiman Achimugu, has become the first casualty from COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Late Achimugu was said to have returned from the United Kingdom Tuesday after undergoing surgical procedure for underlying illness.
Announcing the death Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said: “The case was a 67 year old male who returned to Nigeria following a medical procedure in the United Kingdom.
“He had underlying medical conditions, including multiple myeloma and diabetes, and was undergoing chemotherapy.”
Achimugu died in the early hours of Monday.
Of the 35 cases recorded in Nigeria, 32 are currently on isolation and treatment, two have been discharged, while one has died.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has said that his remains have been buried according to Islamic injunction.
The statement signed by Abubakar Achimugu on behalf of the family called for prayer for the repose of his soul and healing for all other Coronavirus patients undergoong treatment.
The statement read.
“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. Amen”
Source: ThisDayLive
