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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) has confirmed the first coronavirus death in Nigeria.
The NCDC via its Twitter handle, @NCDCgov, on Monday said, “The first #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded. The case was a 67-year-old male who returned home following medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma and diabetes and was undergoing chemotherapy.”
The Nation, however, reports that the victim is a former Pipeline and Product Marketing Company(PPMC) General Manager, Suleiman Achimugu, who was among those confirmed to have contracted the Coronavirus in Nigeria.
A family member, Kashim Abubukar, in an announcement, stated that the deceased has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
“Just lost an uncle to the Coronavirus, at Gwagwalada specialist hospital this morning. Alhaji Suleiman Achimugu retired from PPMC as group GM. He returned 10 days ago from the UK and was isolated.
“Now, his household is condoned off and the entire family quarantined and the corpse is not likely to be released to us.
“Let’s put him in our prayers and ask God to send an urgent relief to us.”
Another family member, Abubakar Achimugu, however confirmed that the deceased has been laid to rest.
“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.
“He has since been buried according to Islamic rites. May Allah (SWA) have mercy on him,” Abubukar wrote on behalf of the family.