COVID-19 : Benue State Government Activities Crippled, as Top Officials Tested Positive

 

There’s palpable fear in Benue State as some top government officials have tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The growing list of top government officials that tested positive to the dreaded global disease in the state includes: Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Ijohor; governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Terwase Orbunde; Benue State Head of Service, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke; among others.

This unpalatable development has caused tremendous panic in the state and crippled government activities as anyone who recently came in contact with these officials had been advised to also self-isolate and go for tests immediately.

Although the sample tests of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, returned negative, his wife, Eunice, tested positive for COVID-19.

Confirming the story on Saturday, Ortom urged the people of Benue State to go for testing to ascertain their status and take necessary action.

He explained that though he tested negative, the First Family in the state has decided to go into total isolation including himself.

“One lesson that I want Benue people to appreciate and understand is that everybody has to make himself available for testing.

“The more you test, the more you know your status. When you know that you are positive, then you can subject yourself to treatment,” the governor said.

Pointing out that being tested positive for the deadly virus was not a death sentence, Ortom charged the people of Benue State to take responsibility and observe health protocols on COVID-19 in order to curb the spread of the pandemic.

On the possibility of another lockdown in the state, the governor explained that Benue State Action Committee on COVID-19 would meet early this week to review the situation in order to take next line of action.

Also reacting, the SSG advised anyone who has come in contact with him of recent to also self-isolate and go for test.

Ijohor said: “On the 29th of June, 2020, I underwent a COVID-19 test carried out by NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) officials and regret to inform you that the result of my COVID-19 test has shown that I am positive.

“This information was passed to me by HE Governor Samuel Ortom.

“I have gone into total isolation as required by the protocols and I have started treatment as advised by medical officials. By the grace of God, I am asymptomatic (not feeling any symptoms of the disease) at the moment.

“I wish to advise anyone who has come in contact with me of recent to also self-isolate themselves and go for tests immediately. I would also like to advise the general public to continue taking preemptive measures in order to avoid COVID-19.

“By the grace of God, it shall be well.”

On his part, the Chief of Staff explained that in compliance with COVID-19 protocols, he has gone into self-isolation and already started treatment.

“I advise anyone who has come in contact with me in recent times to go for testing to ascertain their status.

“Let’s remember that testing positive for Coronavirus is not a death sentence. I therefore join Governor Samuel Ortom in advising Benue people to strictly adhere to preventive measures to be safe from the virus,” Orbunde said.