Yemi Obafemi
The family of a first-class graduate of Benson Idahosa University in Edo State, Rebekah Sekidika, who died during a procedure at a private hospital in Port Harcourt, said autopsy has been performed on the deceased on Thursday and samples sent to two independent medical centres for the toxicology test. Full reports will be made available in not more than a month’s time when all the results are available.
The deceased father disclosed this while speaking on the burial arrangements which is slated for the 2nd of March, 2024, at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro, the deceased father alleged that his daughter died due to the negligence and incompetence of the medical workers who carried out the procedure on her at the Paragon Clinics and Image Diagnosis in Port Harcourt on February 2, 2024.
While lamenting that the deceased had already gained admission to begin a MSc Programme in the United Kingdom and was billed to travel a few days away before the unfortunate development that claimed her life and demanded justice.
The father said, “The complaint was that she had not seen her period for a while. So she needed to why. When she had the clinical visit, they subjected her to some test, including pregnancy tests, which came out all negative.
“But they told her to see a specialist to be sure. On the day of the appointment, they took her into the theatre and gave her an anaesthetic for a simple procedure that didn’t require surgery where she developed complications and died.
“She (Rebekah) was supposed to travel to the United Kingdom for her Masters and PhD programmes. Everything was set, flight booked, tuition paid, all arrangements made.”
Speaking on the autopsy and burial arrangements, Sekidika said “Autopsy has been performed on Thursday, and samples sent to two independent medical centres for the toxicology test. Full reports will be made available in not more than a month’s time when all the results are available.
“I applied to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal and Investigation Department for release of the corpse to us the family for burial. The police have granted me permission to bury.
“Burial has been slated for the 2nd of March, 2024, at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Port Harcourt.”
Sekidika insisted that even after Rebekah’s body is interred, he will pursue the matter to ensure that those found culpable for her death are apprehended, punished, and other appropriate steps taken to get justice for her.
