Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has renewed his call for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of the death of Miss Mary Habbila, a physiotherapist, insisting that only a scientific examination can establish the facts surrounding her death.
The minister made the call Saturday in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, while reacting to a SaharaReporters publication alleging that the circumstances surrounding the death of the young woman in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were shrouded in secrecy.
According to the statement, Umahi received news of the death with shock and sadness and immediately extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
The minister explained that emergency procedures were activated immediately after the incident, with medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police was also notified in line with legal requirements.
The statement disclosed that after Miss Habbila’s death was confirmed, Umahi personally met with her parents, sympathised with them and advised that an autopsy be carried out to scientifically determine the exact cause of death.
It, however, noted that the family declined the recommendation at the time.
The media office further clarified that the deceased, Miss Mary Habbila, and her colleague, Miss Anita Baski, were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years before the unfortunate incident.
It added that in view of recent developments, the minister had again reiterated the need for an autopsy, maintaining that it remains the most credible and responsible means of resolving all issues surrounding the death.
Umahi also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations without interference, while praying for God to grant the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.