Residents of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have paid glowing tributes to the late Miss Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who died at the staff quarters in the Minister’s residence where she resided for her official work.

The people said Habila’s untimely death has left the community in deep mourning, noting that she was widely respected for her humility, peaceful disposition and willingness to assist others whenever the need arose.

The community described her as one of them who was very calm, compassionate and selfless.

The people further described the late Mary as very kind and hardworking lady.

One of them, Mrs. Millicent Ekwe, described the late Mary as an easy-going, honest and trusting young woman. Recounting her encounter with the deceased, Millicent said she made Mary’s hair in January this year after she was referred to her.

“It was the manager that recommended me to her, and she trusted me enough to hand over her ATM card and PIN so I could withdraw money to purchase additional hair attachments needed to complete her hairstyle. That level of trust was remarkable,” she said.

Millicent said Habila’s death has been deeply painful, noting that they had developed a sisterly relationship after that encounter.

Also speaking, the President General of Eweze Uburu Autonomous Community, Chief Nicholas Onu, said many people had assumed that Mary Habila was an indigene of Uburu because of her regular presence at community events attended by the Honourable Minister.

According to him, Mary was always part of the medical team that provided first aid and emergency assistance during empowerment programmes and other community engagements.

“It is only now that I fully understand why she was always with the team. Whenever the Honourable Minister visited to distribute empowerment items and other assistance, the large crowds required medical personnel on standby.

“Mary was always on hand, offering medical attention and support to women, children and other beneficiaries. Her dedication to serving others made many of us believe she was one of our own,” he said.

He described her death as a painful loss, saying her humanitarian spirit, humility and commitment to serving others would remain a lasting memory in the hearts of the people of Uburu. (The Sun)