Following the announcement of the first coronavirus death in Nigeria, the family of the victim has released an official statement identifying him as Suleiman Achimugu, a former Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (PPMC).
The statement which was signed by Abubakar Achimugu said the victim was in self-isolation upon his return from the UK and personally called NCDC after experiencing some discomfort that is related to COVID 19 symptoms.
“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).
“He died of COVID 19 on 22/03/2020 some days after he arrived in 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,” the statement read in part.
The victim has since been buried according to Islamic rites.