In a statement on the health of veteran Nigerian actor John Okafor, known to many as Mr. Ibu, it has been revealed that one of his legs has been amputated in a desperate bid to keep him alive. The news comes after reports in October regarding the actor’s illness and the subsequent need for financial assistance to support his treatment.
The family of Mr Ibu made this somber announcement in a statement posted on the actor’s Instagram page. The statement disclosed that Mr Ibu had undergone a total of seven surgeries, with the amputation of one leg being the most recent and critical procedure aimed at prolonging his life.
The statement began with gratitude, expressing heartfelt appreciation for all the individuals who had come forward to support Mr Ibu during his trying time. It emphasized that words could not sufficiently convey their gratitude, as the outpouring of help from well-wishers had been overwhelming and deeply touching.
As of noon on the 6th of November 2023 that the statement was released, Mr Ibu had already endured seven surgeries. Each of these procedures had been an essential step in the battle for his life. The family shared that the decision to amputate one of his legs had not been made lightly. It had been a difficult and heart-wrenching choice, but ultimately, it was seen as the only way to increase his chances of recovery and survival.
The statement read, “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad; saying we are grateful is an understatement, and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered.”
Continuing, the statement elaborated on Mr Ibu’s current medical journey, stating, “As of 1 pm, noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries, but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated.”
This was a difficult decision for Mr Ibu’s fans and well-wishers to digest. The decision to amputate a leg to save a life is an agonizing and heart-wrenching choice for both the patient and their loved ones. It illustrated the severity of Mr Ibu’s medical condition and the measures taken to ensure his survival.
The statement also emphasized the family’s unwavering commitment to Mr Ibu’s well-being, stating, “This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.”
The family concluded their statement by acknowledging that Mr Ibu’s condition remained fragile, and his recovery journey was far from over. They appealed for ongoing support from well-meaning Nigerians who had already shown incredible compassion and generosity. It was a plea for help to ensure that Mr Ibu received the care and assistance necessary for his recovery.
“Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians as, at this stage, Daddy is still very delicate, and he needs all the help he can get.”
The family expressed their gratitude once more, assuring those who had reached out that Mr Ibu would personally acknowledge everyone who had supported him during this challenging period when he was in a stable condition.
