Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Ruth .J
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has renewed his call for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of the death of Miss Mary Habila, insisting that a scientific examination remains the most credible way to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, July 11, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister's media office responded to a publication alleging that the circumstances surrounding Habila's death in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were shrouded in secrecy. The statement said Umahi received news of the incident with shock and sadness and had conveyed his condolences to the deceased's family.
According to the statement, emergency measures were taken immediately after the incident, with medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police Force was also notified in line with legal requirements.
The minister disclosed that after Habila's death was confirmed, he personally met with her parents, expressed his condolences and advised the family to approve an autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of death. However, the statement said the family declined the recommendation at the time.
The media office further clarified that Mary Habila and Anita Baski were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years before Habila's death.
Umahi said that in light of recent developments and public interest surrounding the case, he was again urging that an autopsy be conducted, maintaining that it remained the most responsible and transparent means of resolving all questions relating to the incident.
The minister also appealed to the public to avoid speculation and premature conclusions, urging citizens to allow law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities to carry out their investigations without interference while extending prayers and condolences to the bereaved family.
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