THE Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reacted to reports surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse, at his residence in Ebonyi State, insisting that there was “nothing hidden” about the incident.
News Point Nigeria reports that Umahi, while addressing journalists on Sunday during an inspection of ongoing work along the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, dismissed claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were shrouded in secrecy.
According to the minister, it was members of the deceased’s family who became alarmed after they could not reach her and subsequently forced open the door to her room before rushing her to the hospital.
He added that the incident was immediately reported to the police, while arrangements had also been made for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Umahi disclosed that the autopsy would be conducted with the consent and approval of the deceased’s parents.
“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” Umahi said.
“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” he asked.
The minister also dismissed allegations that there had been attempts to conceal details surrounding the nurse’s death or that the entire incident was shrouded in mystery, maintaining that all necessary procedures had been duly followed from the moment the incident occurred.
Umahi further revealed that he had instructed his legal team to commence legal action against individuals spreading what he described as false reports and misinformation about the circumstances of Mary Habila’s death.
He described the deceased as a committed and dedicated employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH).
According to the minister, the late nurse’s parents, who are currently in Ebonyi State, are expected to address journalists on the matter and will also initiate legal proceedings against those accused of circulating falsehoods regarding their daughter’s death.
