COVID-19: Nigeria’s first death is ex PPMC MD as cases hit 36
Samson Echenim is business a.m. correspondent providing coverage for maritime, aviation, travels and hospitality. A former business correspondent at the Punch and Leadership newspapers, he has a vast experience in business reporting. Samson can be reached on samhapp2000@yahoo.com and +2348037363024
Nigeria has recorded its first death from the dreaded coronavirus.
The victim was identified as Suleiman Achimugu, 67, former managing director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), who died at 2am on Monday.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the death in its update on the virus, early morning on Monday.
It however stressed that the 67-year-old deceased had underlying medical issues and had been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and only returned to the country recently.
The deceased, a native of Kogi State, was said to have returned from the UK two weeks ago.
He was said to have started exhibiting the symptoms of the virus on Tuesday and the case was reported to the NCDC who took his blood sample for a test.
He tested positive and was evacuated to the specialist hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT but died while receiving treatment.
The Cable reported that his family members are under quarantine at their home at the moment.
A statement from the family issued by Abubakar Achimugu said the deceased had been buried according to 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.”
Earlier in the day, Nigeria recorded five new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 36.
Out of the 36 cases, 33 are active while two patients have recovered and discharged.
According to the NCDC, the virus has spread to six states — FCT, with seven cases; Lagos, 24 cases; Oyo, one case; Ogun, two cases; Ekiti, one case and Edo, one case.