Umahi Responds to Controversy Over Mary Habila’s Death

As reported by TheCable on Monday, July 13, 2026, David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has reacted to news regarding the passing of Mary Habila, a nurse at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi State. He dismissed statements suggesting that the situation was kept from the public.

The minister spoke on the issue during a visit on Sunday to oversee construction happening on the Ebonyi segment of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja superhighway.

He clarified that the events leading to the nurse’s death were promptly communicated to the appropriate officials.

Umahi mentioned that the family of the deceased voiced their worries when they were unable to contact her and then forced open her door.

He explained that staff from the teaching hospital were called, and attempts were made to rescue her once she was taken for care, but unfortunately, she was declared dead.

The former governor of Ebonyi State asserted that the police were informed about the incident and that necessary actions began to determine the real cause of death.

He further indicated that an autopsy would be performed with the consent and participation of Habila’s parents, who were reportedly in the state.

Umahi also countered accusations that authorities tried to obscure information about the event.

He mentioned that the late nurse was a dedicated employee at the medical facility and expressed concern regarding the false stories spreading about the issue.

The minister announced that he had directed his legal team to take steps against those spreading what he deemed as inaccurate information regarding the nurse’s passing.

He also shared that Habila’s parents would speak to the media and seek legal actions against those blamed for sharing unverified information.