The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has reiterated his call for an autopsy to be conducted on the late Miss Mary Habila to scientifically establish the exact cause of her death, following growing public interest and media reports surrounding the incident
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the Minister said the renewed call became necessary to ensure that the truth is established beyond doubt and to dispel speculations regarding the unfortunate incident.
The statement was in response to a publication by SaharaReporters alleging that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were shrouded in secrecy.
According to the statement, Senator Umahi received news of the incident with profound shock and sadness and immediately extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family.
The Minister’s office explained that emergency measures were promptly taken after the incident occurred, including contacting medical personnel led by the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, while the Nigeria Police was also notified in line with legal procedures.
It further disclosed that after Miss Habila’s death was confirmed, the Minister personally met with her parents, expressed his condolences, and advised that an autopsy be carried out to determine the exact cause of death. However, the family reportedly declined the recommendation at the time.
The statement also clarified that the late Miss Mary Habila and 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 Miss Habila’s death.
Reaffirming his position, Umahi maintained that an autopsy remains the most credible and responsible means of resolving all questions surrounding the incident.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and premature conclusions, and allow relevant authorities to carry out their investigations without interference.
The Minister also extended his prayers and sympathies to the bereaved family, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the painful loss.
