Umahi Calls for Autopsy on Late Mary Habila

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has reiterated his call for an autopsy to determine the cause of the demiss of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who lost her life in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Habila and Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu. Both had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja as physiotherapists for the past three years before Habila’s demiss.
Umahi’s reaction followed a media report alleging that Habila demiss at his residence in Uburu.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said he received news of Habila’s demiss with shock and expressed his heartfelt condolences to her family.
According to the statement, emergency measures were taken immediately after the incident. Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police Force was promptly notified in accordance with legal procedures.
Umahi maintained that an autopsy remains the most credible and objective means of establishing the cause of the demiss and addressing the questions surrounding the incident.
He also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations without interference.
The statement read in part:
“The attention of the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has been drawn to a publication alleging that the circumstances surrounding the demiss of Miss Mary Habila in Uburu, Ebonyi State, were shrouded in secrecy.
“The Honourable Minister received the news with profound shock and sadness and has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“For the avoidance of doubt, immediately the incident occurred, appropriate emergency measures were taken. Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police Force was promptly notified in accordance with the law.
“Following confirmation of Miss Habila’s demiss , the Honourable Minister personally received her parents, conveyed his condolences, and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically determine the cause of death. At the time, however, the family declined the recommendation.
“It is important to clarify that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski are 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 demiss.
“In light of recent developments and in the interest of establishing the facts, the Honourable Minister has reiterated his position that an autopsy should be conducted. He believes this remains the most credible and responsible means of determining the cause of the demiss and addressing any outstanding questions.
“We urge the public to exercise restraint, avoid speculation or premature conclusions, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities without interference.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time, and we extend our sincere condolences.”