A section of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom have been thrown into mourning following the death of Mrs. Olubunmi Okeniyi, nearly a month after she relocated to the European country.
The woman, who relocated with her two children to join her husband, Jacob Okeniyi, reportedly died last Sunday.
A statement by the Nigerians in the UK on X said that Olubunmi arrived with her two children in Sunderland on 16 September, 2024.
The tragedy brought to the fore concerns about the welfare of many Nigerians relocating to the UK.
Members of the Nigerian community in the UK decried the spate of deaths of fellow compatriots shortly after they landed in the European country.
Early this year, another Nigerian, Saheed Wahab, died a day after relocating to the UK for his master’s degree.
Similarly, an unnamed Nigerian man reportedly died of a heart attack after he slumped and died in Hull City, two months after joining his wife in the UK.
In the message announcing Okeniyi’s demise, the community sought financial support after setting up a GoFundMe account to assist with burial expenses.
“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mrs Olubunmi Okeniyi, who tragically passed away on 13/10/24, at 4:30 pm in Sunderland, UK”, the community wrote.
“Mrs. Olubunmi, who arrived from Nigeria with her two sons on 16/09/24, is survived by her husband, Mr. Jacob Okeniyi.
“We are urgently seeking donations to assist with her immediate burial, as her husband cannot afford the costs.
“Please support by donating through the link below.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated during this difficult time”.
Providing more information about the incident, an X user, Godwin Ejeh, said the deceased was 49 years old and died of breast cancer.
According to Ejeh, who posted a statement purportedly issued by the Chairman of the Nigerians in the Sunderland community, the victim was sick back in Nigeria before joining her family in the UK.
She reportedly started the treatment for cancer upon arrival, but doctors advised that she was unlikely to survive it and that palliative care should be commenced.
“But due to their status here, the above care had to be carried out at home with medical personnel visiting her at home to give her care,” Ejeh wrote.
On the day of her demise, Mrs Okeniyi reportedly called her husband that she wanted to urinate. He and the children helped her to the commode after caregivers visited their home to offer normal routine care and left.
“As she was passing urine, her countenance changed immediately and they assisted her back to the bed and quickly called back her caregivers, who were already on their way. They rushed back but unfortunately, Mrs Okeniyi gave up the ghost around 4:30pm,” Ejeh added.
Ejeh said as of 10pm on Wednesday, the victim’s husband confirmed that a total of £5,800 had been raised.
“GoFundMe as of this evening stood at £3,557,” he added.
