Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and nine of his aides have tested positive for COVID-19, two separate statements from government officials confirmed on Wednesday.
“The latest result of the governor’s COVID-19 test has returned positive,” Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday in Markurdi.
“This follows the test results of most of the governor’s close aides who also returned positive in the last few weeks.
“Though the governor has not shown any symptoms of the disease, he has already commenced treatment as prescribed by medical personnel,” Akase said.
He advised those that had contact with the governor in the last couple of days to go for test.
Also, the Benue Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, on Wednesday, revealed that nine aides of Gov. Samuel Ortom had tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Abounu, who made the disclosure in Makurdi during a press conference, said despite the number of aides that tested positive for the virus, all government activities were going on smoothly.
Abounu, the State Chairman of Action Committee on COVID-19, said the committee had already carried out contact tracing of those who came in contact with all those infected by the virus.
He said though nine aides tested positive for COVID-19, the pandemic had yet to affect the day-to-day running of government in the state.
The deputy governor announced that the state’s Livestock Guards arrested six herders and apprehended 386 cattle on Jan. 23 and 26 at Kaseyo village in Guma Local Government Area of the state.
He said the state Anti Open Grazing Law of the state was succeeding and effective.
According to him, the main aim of the law is to protect Nigerian citizens, including herders and farmers who are constantly having conflicts.
“No Nigerian is prohibited from owning land anywhere in the country, but they have to obey the laws of the area.
“Those willing to come and graze here must buy land and ranch their herds. They must obey our laws,” he said.
According to NCDC records, Benue has 749 cases, 196 on admission, 535 persons discharged with 18 deaths. (NAN)
