Mary Habila: When they Broke the Door, They Found Her Dead, Says Minister Umahi

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday disclosed fresh details surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, the nurse who died at a guest house within his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, revealing that she had spoken with her boyfriend on the night before her death and complained of experiencing a nosebleed.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, the minister described the deceased as someone he regarded “like a daughter” and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

He called for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of her death, insisting that the findings should provide clarity on the incident.

Habila, a nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, died on June 27, 2026, in a guest house located within the minister’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu.

Umahi explained that some reports circulating in sections of the media had incorrectly identified the deceased as a physiotherapist, clarifying that she was, in fact, a qualified nurse employed by the university.

He said it was important to correct the record to avoid misinformation regarding her identity and professional background.

The minister also clarified the accommodation arrangement at the guest house where the incident occurred.

According to him, the facility is separate from his personal residence and was occupied only by Habila and another female staff member from Benue State at the time of the incident.

He explained that the guest house serves as accommodation for staff and is distinct from the section of the compound where he resides, noting that the two women were the only occupants of the building during the period in question.

Providing a detailed account of the events leading up to Habila’s death, Umahi said she had spoken with her boyfriend in the evening before she was discovered dead.

During the conversation, he said, she informed her boyfriend that she was experiencing a nosebleed.

According to the minister, the conversation was among the last known interactions she had before the unfortunate incident, making it a significant part of efforts to establish what may have happened before her death.

Umahi further stated that concern arose the following morning when Habila’s colleagues repeatedly tried to contact her without success.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reach her, they became worried about her welfare and decided to check on her.

According to him, the colleagues eventually forced open the door to her room after receiving no response.

Upon entering, they discovered her lying lifeless inside the room, prompting immediate attention to the incident as authorities began looking into the circumstances surrounding her death.

He said, “When they broke the door, they found her dead. The tap was still running. I think she wanted to have her bath.