Breaking: Former NNPC staff dies from Coronavirus

The first coronavirus death has been recorded in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the case was a 67-year-old male who returned following a medical procedure in the UK.

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

The victim, A former P Pricing MC General Manager, Suleiman Achimugu, was among those confirmed to have contracted the Coronavirus in Nigeria.

A family member, Abubakar Achimugu, in an announcement, stated that the deceased has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

“Just lost an uncle to the Coronavirus, at Gwagwalada specialist hospital this morning. Alhaji Suleiman Achimugu retired from PPMC as group GM. He returned 10 days ago from the UK and was isolated.

“Now, his household is cordoned off and the entire family quarantined and the corpse is not likely to be released to us.

“Let’s put him in our prayers and ask God to send an urgent relief to us,” stated Kashim Abubakar, a cousin to the late Achimugu wrote

Another family member, Abubakar Achimugu, however, confirmed that the deceased has been laid to rest.

“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.

“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,” Abubakar wrote on behalf of the family.