The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, on Wednesday said the governor tested positive after a close aide also returned positive in the last few weeks.
He noted that the governor is asymptomatic but has already commenced treatment as prescribed by medical personnel.
Akase also called on those who came in contact with the governor for a test and ascertain their status.
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Ortom urged Benue people to continue to observe the protocol for the prevention of the virus such as wearing face masks, use of sanitizers, regular hand washing and physical distancing.
He also encouraged residents of the state not to be afraid of going for the COVID-19 test as only doing so would help in containing the spread of the disease.
During the first wave, President Muhammadu Buhari’s former chief of staff, Abba Kyari, died in April 2020 from the novel coronavirus. Former governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi and two Nigerian senators Bayo Osinowo and Buruji Kashamu also died from COVID-19 complications.
A number of Nigerian governors have also tested positive to the virus.
The governors who have tested positive for COVID-19 are: Nasir el-Rufai, Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ifeanyi Okowa, David Umahi and Kayode Fayemi.
