Suleiman Achimugu

Nigeria has recorded its first death from  COVID-19 infection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the death in its update on the virus on Monday.

It said the 67-year-old deceased had just returned from the UK were he underwent medical treatment. The man suffered from multiple myeloma and diabetes and was undergoing chemotherapy. In the words of the NCDC:

The victim, Suleiman Achimugu, was the former Managing Director of the  Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

An indigene of Kogi State, Achimugu was said to have returned from the United Kingdom only two weeks ago.

A statement from the family issued by Abubakar Achimugu said the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.

”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),” the statement read.

”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 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.”

This brings the total number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Nigeria to 36.