The chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Larai Sylvia Ishaku, has given a detailed account of her condolence visit to the family of late nurse, Mary Habila, whose death at the residence of Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stirred nationwide outrage and calls for an independent investigation.

Mary, a nurse from Nok community in Jaba LGA, was attached to the medical team serving Umahi and his household in Ebonyi State. She was described by her family and colleagues as a promising, disciplined professional whose life and career were abruptly cut short.

Ishaku said Mary’s father, known as Baba Habila, recounted that his daughter had worked with the minister’s medical team for more than three years and that the relationship between the minister’s family and the staff had been cordial and supportive.

According to the account relayed by the LG chair, Mary had spoken with her fiancé shortly before her death, telling him she had suffered a nosebleed during the night. The following morning, when she failed to show up for breakfast, her colleagues became alarmed.

Repeated calls to her phone reportedly went unanswered. Concerned staff then forced her door open and found her lying motionless on the floor of her room. Security agencies were called in, and her body was moved to a morgue.

Ishaku disclosed that, despite the public clamour for an autopsy, Mary’s father has chosen not to demand one. She quoted him as saying that no medical examination could bring his daughter back to life, stressing that his decision was rooted in personal conviction rather than hostility or suspicion.

He was also said to have expressed no resentment toward Umahi or his family, insisting that his daughter had lived an honourable life and that he had never received any troubling report about her conduct or treatment while in service.

Instead, he appealed to the public to stop speculating about the circumstances of her death and to allow her memory to be honoured in peace. He further urged security authorities in Ebonyi State to release Mary’s remains so the family can perform a dignified burial in line with their customs and traditions.

Ishaku concluded her statement by extending condolences to the Habila family and praying for strength and comfort for them as they mourn their daughter.