Nigeria has recorded its first death from Coronavirus.
The deceased is a 67-year-old man who returned home from the UK, where he had gone for medical treatment, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The victim, identified as Suleiman Achimugu, was the former managing director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC). He passed away at 2 am on Monday.
Achimugu, an indigene of Kogi state, returned from the United Kingdom two weeks ago.
He started showing COVID-19 symptoms on Tuesday, and his case was reported to the NCDC. His test came back positive, and he was taken to the specialist hospital, Gwagwalada in Abuja, where he ultimately succumbed to the virus while receiving treatment.
Reportedly, his family members are under quarantine at their home.
A statement from the family, issued by Abubakar Achimugu, mentioned that the deceased had been buried following Islamic rites.
”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),” the statement read.
”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.”