The minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed the passing of a medical officer, Mary Habila, who died at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Umahi stated that the deceased was a physiotherapist seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences.

It was earlier reported that Habbila died under mysterious circumstances inside the country home of Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The incident reportedly occurred on June 27, 2026, barely a day after Habbila and another woman, Anita Baski, both from Kaduna State, were reportedly brought to the minister’s residence.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his senior special assistant on media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi described Habila’s death as “unfortunate” and said he received the news with profound shock and sadness.

The minister said emergency measures were immediately activated after the incident, with medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, contacted without delay.

He added that the Nigerian police was also promptly notified in line with legal procedures.

The minister claimed that after Habila’s death was confirmed, he personally received her parents, offered his condolences, and advised the family to consent to an autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of her death.

However, the minister claimed that the family initially 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 until the unfortunate passing of Miss Habila,” Umahi said.

He added that he has reiterated his position that an autopsy should now be conducted, maintaining that it remains the most credible means of determining the cause of Habila’s death and addressing the questions that have continued to trail the incident.

“The Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident,” he added.

Umahi also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow law enforcement authorities and medical experts to carry out their investigations without interference.