Covid-19: Anxiety In Edo As Over 110 People Arrived From Kano & Rivers State

THERE was anxiety among health workers at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH, Edo State, yesterday, as a truck load of persons numbering 84 believed to have arrived from Kano State came to the hospital.

Similarly, another vehicle transporting 26 persons said to be coming from Rivers State was intercepted and all detainees from the two arrests are undergoing screening and testing to ascertain their covid-19 status.

The incident in Irrua was said to have caught the hospital management and staff unawares and led to some of the staff going home.

A source in the hospital told Vanguard, “When I arrived the hospital this morning (yesterday), I saw a lot of people being guarded by the police and on enquiry, I was told they were intercepted overnight and were said to be going to Lagos. The Police kept them overnight and then informed the state governor, who immediately ordered that they should all be subjected to Covid-19 test before any action would be taken about them. They have been isolated and urgent testing has began to know the status of each of them.”

Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Odijie Ohue said, he was not authorized to speak on the matter.

Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the incident said, “Operatives intercepted the vehicle and took them to Irrua police station. When counted, they were 84 human beings including the driver and when they were interrogated, they said they were coming from the North. They were taken to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for proper medical check and that has been done.

“The state government order is that security agents should escort them away to where they said they were going to, and that is the West, either Ogun or Lagos state.”

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, said the 26 travellers in a truck were stopped at AGIP Junction on Sapele Road and moved to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital for screening and testing to ascertain their COVID-19 status before they were let off to continue their journey.

On the travelers from Kano, Okundia said, “ISTH is screening and testing them. We are communicating and exchanging reports. The essence is to screen these persons and get them tested after which they will be allowed back into their truck to continue their journey and Police officers will escort them out of the state.”

The driver of the truck with registration number LSF 679 XZ spotted at Edo Central, John Monday, said he had just finished delivering his goods and decided to pick the passengers, who he claimed he charged between N500 and N700 on his way from Kano State en-route Ogun State.

We locked down Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt to protect Rivers people — Wike

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said that the lockdown of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas was not targeted at suffering the people, but aimed at protecting Rivers people from coronavirus.

Speaking during a live phone-in radio programme in Port Harcourt, yesterday, “We have to lockdown Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas in the interest of our people. While individuals feel it, the state government is also affected because it loses revenue. But lives must be protected.

“We need continuous prayers to succeed. We have handed this state to God. We can only do much, but God will save our people.”

Wike said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that agriculture and health were key. He said the state government will work towards further growth in that direction.

He said: “Everyone should support the state government to tackle COVID-19. This is not a period of criticism. This is a period where all of us must come together, irrespective of political parties to stop the spread of the virus.

“I thank Rivers people for their support. It has been amazing. I am not moved by the unfounded criticism of a few. I am concerned about the protection of the vast majority of Rivers people, because I have their mandate.”

Wike urged churches to fellowship online and pray for the state within the period. He said that basically, the state government was taking precautionary measures to protect Rivers people.

Bayelsa warns those breaching boundaries

Bayelsa State Government has warned those compromising its boundary control measures towards curtailing the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 in the state to turn a new leaf or face the wrath of the law.

State Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo handed down the warning at a meeting with members of the local government COVID-19 teams led by the eight council chairmen in Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo said, “I’m just coming from another meeting where I had reports that there is now high influx of strangers into our state. This is because of the porous borders.

“People are now running from places that experienced total lockdown to where they will have freedom of movement. These are people you don’t even know their virus status and our people are encouraging them to come in.

“We don’t have the kind of capacity Lagos has, but they are finding it difficult to cope with their situation despite the N10 billion support from the Federal Government.

“That is why I urge every one of us, including security agencies manning our borders to take government’s preventive measures seriously.’’

Police arrest 20 facemask defaulters in Delta

In Delta State, men of the police command, yesterday arrested no fewer than 20 persons in Asaba, the state capital for not wearing face masks in public.

Coronavirus: Patients In Kano Holds Doctors & Nurse Hostage

There was drama in Kano state on Thursday as some COVID-19 patients had held health workers hostage at the Kwanar Dawaki Isolation Centre in the state.

Two doctors and a nurse were reportedly held Hostage yesterday May 7, by Coronavirus patients at Kwanar Dawakin isolation center in Kano.

Former Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association in Kano, Prof. Aminu Mohammed confirmed the incident in an interview with Wazobia FM’s “make una wake up show” this morning.

He said the fully kitted health workers were on a ward round when they were locked in by the Coronavirus patients for hours. Mohammed said the doctors were almost suffocating before they managed to break down the door and forced their way out of the ward.

One of the patients who confirmed the incident, said they were protesting against the delayed testing and confirmation of their status within the stipulated 7 days period of being on drugs. He however insisted that the health workers did not break down the door, but were allowed to go following the intervention of the leader of the health workers at the center

Aminu Mohammed, former chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kano branch, disclosed this when he featured on a radio programme on Friday.

He said the aggrieved patients held the health workers two medical doctors and one nurse hostage while they were going round the wards for routine checks.

He said the patients locked them up in a room for hours.

Mohammed said health workers who are battling with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) still have challenges managing hostile patients.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with doctors and nurses and not discourage them in the line of duty.

When contacted, Tijjani Husaini, head of Kano COVID-19 technical response team, said he was not aware of the incident.

Kano has 547 COVID-19 cases, the second highest in the country.

See Photos: BUA Donates Ambulances, 20 Vehicles To Kano COVID-19 Taskforce

 Gov. Umar Ganduje received the donation of 5 brand new Ambulances and 20 operational vehicles by BUA Foundation of Alh Abdulsamad Isyaka Rabiu to Kano State Covid-19 Taskforce to support the State towards the very great work and effort making for the control of Coronavirus pandemic.

Rate of Community Transmission in Kano is ‘now 80 percent’ – Head of Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus in Kano, Nasiru Gwarzo

Head of the presidential task force on Coronavirus in Kano state, Nasiru Gwarzo has disclosed that the rate of community transmission in the state is ‘now 80 percent’.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Nasiru Gwarzo said about 80 percent of the samples received from communities in the state turned out positive for Coronavirus.

The PTF official who admitted that there is increased testing capacity in Kano state, added that the state needs urgent intervention as the disease is spreading to various areas.

Gwarzo said, "When about 100 samples are delivered, there are five to ten that are positive (for coronavirus)". 

“But now, when 100 samples are returned, about 80 are coronavirus cases.”

Kano became the second worst hit state yesterday May 2, with 313 confirmed cases of Coronavirus.

Covid-19: Ganduje Makes U-Turn, Wants Lockdown Obeyed

Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, has called for compliance with the lockdown in state two days after asking the Federal Government to ease the restriction.

The PUNCH reports that Buhari in a nationwide broadcast on Monday ordered a total lockdown in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.

But Ganduje asked the Federal Government to ease the 14-day total lockdown on Thursday, saying it would result in economic hardship in the state.

The governor’s appeal, however, led to an outrage on social media, with many commenters asking him to prioritise the health of residents.

On Friday, Kano recorded 92 new cases – the highest daily figure to be reported in any state in Nigeria within 24 hours.

After the new cases recorded on Friday, the governor in a series of tweets on Saturday said the lockdown was necessary to curb the spread of the virus.

He also urged residents to obey the lockdown order and maintain social distancing.

He tweeted, “We’re working fast to deal with the spread of #COVID19 in our great state with the conversion of some facilities in the state to isolation centres. The Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital, Murtala Muhammed Library Complex, Hospitality and Tourism Institute formerly Daula Hotel.

“Sports Institute at Karfi and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital will now house carriers of the pandemic going forward. The Murtala Muhammad Library Complex is expected to accommodate over 200 beds and also an estimated 300 beds will be provided at Karfi Sports Institute.

“I reiterate my plea for all Kano citizens to adhere to the lockdown rule. We need to slow down the virus and this is only possible with social distancing. Please stay in your homes.”

With the 92 new coronavirus cases recorded on Friday, confirmed infections in Kano have increased to 311.

Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s website showed that Kano has recorded no recovery since Nigeria reported its first COVID-19 case on February 27.

The breakdown of the cases recorded by states showed that Kano has recorded the second-highest number of infections with 311 cases in Nigeria.

Lagos has the highest number of infections with 1,006 cases and Abuja third with 214 cases.

Cases in Lagos, Kano, and Abuja constitute over 70 per cent of the total cases recorded in Nigeria, The PUNCH reports.

A further breakdown of the data revealed that Kano is the COVID-19 worst-hit state in the northern part of Nigeria.

The NCDC said, “It tweeted, “On the 1st of May 2020, 238 new confirmed cases and ten deaths were recorded in Nigeria. No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours".

Currently, 2,388 cases have been confirmed, 385 cases have been discharged and 85 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Kano UNICEF Boss, Dies After Showing Coronavirus Symptoms

Malam Rabiu Musa, Head of Communications in the Kano Field Office of UNICEF, is dead.

His son, Musa Rabiu, who confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, said that the UNICEF official died on Saturday at the age of 60.

“My dad died at about 3 a.m on Saturday, after battling with a sickness for a few days.

“Although, we noticed symptoms we suspect to be of Coronavirus, but the result of the test conducted is not yet out.

“A week ago, he complained of sore throat and malaria, but after few days of medication, he became normal.

“Few days later, he complained that he was finding it difficult to breath.

“He also complained that no matter how short he walked, he loses breath. So, he was taken to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Dala, on Friday where he gave up,”the son said.

At about 2 p.m. when NAN contacted the son, he said: “we are now at the hospital with the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for his burial”.

NAN reports that the deceased is survived by seven children and one wife.

Emir Hospitalised Over Suspected COVID-19 Case

HRH Tafida Abubakar Ila ll

It was learnt that the Emir of Rano, Dr Tafida Abubakar Ila ll, has been hospitalized.

It was gathered that Rano Emirate Council is one of the four newly created emirates in Kano state.

Daily Trust reports that it is uncertain whether the emir’s illness is related or not to Covid-19.

A source at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) confided in Daily Trust that Dr Ila ll was brought to AKTH in a critical condition in the early hours of today.

He, however, said that the emir had been referred to Nassarawa Specialist Hospital for further medical attention.

“As I am speaking with you now (around 2:55PM), the vehicle that is conveying the emir to Nassarawa hospital just left the premises of AKTH. The condition of the emir was critical as at the time they departed AKTH.”

Confirming the development, one of the traditional title holders in Rano emirate, who craved for anonymity, said the emir was first rushed to AKTH but for lack of oxygen he was referred to Nassarawa hospital.

The said: “The emir is in critical condition and from the look of things, it could be a case of COVID-19. May Allah protect us all, but the situation is alarming.”

MURIC Says Kano Death Suggest Plot To Depopulate Muslims

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has given a rather ridiculous interpretation to the unfolding tragedy in Kano, suggesting that the unusual death toll in the northwestern state could be “a deliberate attempt” at decimating the population of Muslims in Nigeria.

Kano State has seen a spike in mystery deaths in one week amid COVID-19 threats.

With scant resources nationally and low capacity to test, authorities are yet to determine if COVID-19 caused the deaths.

Public concerns have arisen over the situation in the state, which now appears helpless, with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje accusing the Federal Government of neglect.

In a statement on Monday, MURIC Director, Ishaq Akintola, lamented the unusual deaths, saying Kano needed help urgently, and then surprisingly brought a religious angle to the matter, warning of a threat to the “majority status” Nigerian Muslims enjoy “in the area of demography.”

“More disturbing is the rumour that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in the state has locked up its offices and its officials are not responding to distress calls,” the MURIC director said.

“The only testing centre in Kano which is situated at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital has also been allegedly locked up. So where did NCDC get its figure on Kano? Something is fishy here. We are surprised that testing centres are almost nonexistent in the North.

“Is this a deliberate attempt at debilitating Northern population with its attendant impact on Muslim majority population in the country?

“We, therefore, demand an inquiry into circumstances surrounding the alleged closure of NCDC office in Kano State as well as the paucity of testing centres in the whole North.

“Nigerian Muslims are currently enjoying a majority status in the area of demography. We must avoid anything capable of decimating our population.

“We urge Kano citizens to strictly obey rules set by health officials, particularly social distancing, washing hands regularly with soap, using sanitizers and staying at home. You must break the cycle of this killer virus.

“Above all, the government must be vicious to be triumphant. Violators of lockdown rules must be dealt with according to the law while the lockdown on Kano must not be lifted until the rate of death slows down to a reasonable level.”

Mr Akintola is a professor and founder of MURIC, which he runs, according to his personal website, for “protection and promotion of the rights of Muslims in Nigeria.”

But contrary to his claim, there is no data indicating which religion has more followers in Nigeria. The country had its last census in 2006 and during that headcount, the National Population Commission did not collect data on religious affiliations.

Mr Akintola has a reputation for using MURIC to make alarmist claims, some of them false. In January, he tried to drive Muslims against Amotekun, a popular south-west initiate to combat insecurity. He tagged the initiative “an ostensibly anti-Muslim security network (coming) into operation in Yorubaland.”

Many Nigerians, including Muslims, have repeatedly denounced Mr Akintola’s MURIC rhetoric, warning him to rise above bigotry and instead promote harmonious co-existence by adherents of all religions as espoused by the Holy Quran.

EXPOSED: Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Hawked and Sold in Kano – FG warns (See Photo)

The Federal Government on Tuesday warned against patronising a fake coronavirus vaccine, which is now being hawked and sold in Kano State.

“You must ignore the Vaccine being hawked in Kano which is called ‘COVID19 Vaccine’. It is yellow in color. It’s not certified by anybody, please don’t patronize the hawkers,” Nigeria’s information minsiter Lai Mohammed said during the presidential taskforce on COVID19 briefing

Mohammed further said the government has increased its enlightenment programs about the virus with over 90% Nigerians claimed to be aware of it.

Scientists around the world are racing against time to develop a vaccine for coronavirus, which has killed more than 119,000 people and infected more than 1.9 million globally.

About a week ago, China approved early-stage human tests for two experimental vaccines as it battles to contain imported cases and prevent a second wave of COVID-19.

Currently, more than 35 companies and academic institutions around the world are working on COVID-19 vaccines. The first human trials started last month for a vaccine produced by Boston-area biotech firm Moderna Therapeutics.

Pennsylvania-based Inovio Pharmaceuticals started testing its candidate vaccine earlier this month, and Novavax, a Maryland company, has said it will start trials in Australia in May.

Nigeria has recorded 782 cases of coronavirus cases with 197 being discharged while 25 people have died of the virus

Kwankwaso Donates Hospital to Combat Coronavirus

His Excellency Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has contributed AMANA HOSPITAL to the Kano State Government to aid the Covid-19 Management Committee overcome this epidemic.

AMANA HOSPITAL is newly built, fully equipped with 60-beds capacity, completed last month and it has not yet been commissioned.

This was made known by his Media Aide, Saifullahi Hassan

The Hospital is located in Miller Road, Bompai, Kano State.