Nigeria has reported its first coronavirus death on Monday, in a disclosure made the country’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The patient, 67-year-old Engr Suleiman , a former Managing Director of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), was said to have returned to Nigeria in March after undergoing medical treatment in the UK, the NCDC said in a tweet.
He had multiple underlying health conditions including cancer, diabetes and had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments, the statement from the agency said.
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Also, a statement signed by a member the family, Abubakar Achimugu, confirming the death report, States: “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 recieving 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.”
The statement also informed that “he has since been buried according to Islamic rites.”
