Nigeria Records First Coronavirus Death

Nigeria has recorded its first coronavirus death.

NewsOne Nigeria reports that former managing director of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) Engr. Suleiman Achimugu has died after contracting coronavirus.

This burgeoning online news platform understands that Engr Achimgu is Nigeria’s first recorded death from coronavirus. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) described him as a 67-year old male who returned home following medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

“The 1st #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded. The case was a 67-year-old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK.

“He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma & diabetes & was undergoing chemotherapy. Our thoughts are with his family,” the tweet added.

The 1st #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded. The case was a 67 year old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK

He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma & diabetes & was undergoing chemotherapy

Our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/A7STOjTQeW

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) March 23, 2020

NewsOne Nigeria reports that a statement for the family signed by Abubakar Achimugu said the family is deeply saddened to inform the public of the sudden death of our beloved Father, Uncle, Brother and friend. Engr. Suleiman Achimugu (former MD of PPMC).

The statement reads as thus; “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 recieving 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,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the development is coming the same day Nigeria recorded five new cases and the first case in Edo State, Southern Nigeria.