By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death of a physiotherapist, Miss Mary Habila, who died in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Habila and Miss Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS), Uburu, and had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja, as physiotherapists for the past three years before Habila’s death.
The call followed reports alleging that the physiotherapist died at the minister’s residence in Uburu.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said he received the news of Habila’s death with shock and sadness, while extending condolences to her family.
He said immediate steps were taken after the incident, including contacting medical personnel, the Chief Medical Director of DUFUS, Uburu, and notifying the police in line with legal procedures.
According to him, he had earlier advised the deceased’s family to allow an autopsy to be conducted to scientifically establish the cause of death, but the recommendation was declined at the time.
The minister, however, reiterated his call for the autopsy, describing it as the most credible and responsible way to resolve questions surrounding the incident.
“Following the recent developments and in the interest of ensuring that the truth is established beyond doubt, the Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted,” the statement said.
Umahi urged members of the public to avoid speculation and allow relevant authorities to carry out their duties without interference.
He also appealed for restraint while expressing sympathy with the family of the deceased and praying for strength for them to bear the loss.
