COVID-19 Paralyses Benue State Govt As Top Officials Test Positive

Several Benue State top government officials, Professor Tony Ijohor, the Secretary to the State Government, Terwase Orbunde, the Chief of Staff, Veronica Onyeke, the Head of Service and the Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, have all tested positive to the COVID-19.

Disturbed by the new development, the state Governor, Samuel Ortom has hinted about the considering reversal of the earlier order to reopen markets across the state, worship centres and schools, as part of efforts to contain the spread to residents, whom the governor has asked to take responsibility for their own safety.

Also, a team has been deployed to decontaminate the governor’s official residence where his family, domestic staff and close aides may have had contacts with people and items that can be conveyors of the virus.

On Friday, the governor’s wife, Eunice Ortom and their son also tested positive for the coronavirus.

She confirmed this in a statement she personally signed, adding that she has gone into total isolation and has commenced treatment.