Skip to main content

BREAKING: General Attending Chief of Army Staff Conference Dies of COVID-19



By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

John Olu Irefin, major-general and general officer commanding (GOC) six division, Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, has died of complications from COVID-19.

The GOC was attending the annual chief of army staff conference in Abuja before he took ill and died.

He was GOC 81 Division in Lagos before his posting to Port Harcourt this year.

The conference has been cancelled by the army and participants comprising principal staff officers, GOCs, commandants of army schools, commanders of army operations have been asked to go into isolation for 14 days.

Sagir Musa, acting director of army public relations, announced the cancellation of the conference in a statement on Thursday, saying it was to prevent any further spread of the disease.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform members of the public that due to resurgence of COVID 19 Pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in what appears to be a second wave of infection cycle and the unfortunate incident on Tuesday 8 December 2020, where an officer participating in the ongoing Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 here in Abuja tested positive to COVID 19, the remaining activities of the conference have therefore been immediately cancelled,” he said.

“All the participants have been mandated to immediately proceed on self-isolation in line with the Federal Government’s protocol for COVID 19 and to prevent any further spread of the disease.

“All inconveniences hereby regretted, please. Thanks for your usual understanding and cooperation.”


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

President Tinubu Flags Off Two Major Road Projects in Abuja

Image
By Aviashima Toom, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and improved living standards, following the flag-off of two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The President, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, performed the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District and the Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District of Abuja. Speaking at the Southern Parkway flag-off, Professor Yilwatda conveyed President Tinubu's message, describing the project as a critical component of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing infrastructure renewal programme. According to the President, the Southern Parkway is one of the most important transportation corridors within Abuja's so...
Read more

“Let’s Test Popularity,” Byuan Challenges Alia for Benue APC Ticket

Image
By Aviashima Toom  A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Mathias Byuan, has declared that he will not step down for the incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Byuan made the declaration on Monday in Abuja shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to the party’s leadership. He reaffirmed his determination to contest the APC governorship ticket against Alia, whom he also faced during the party’s 2023 primaries. His position comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Benue APC, where party leaders have reportedly pushed for the endorsement of all incumbent officeholders seeking re-election. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had earlier suggested that elected officials from the State Assembly to the National Assembly—should be supported to return alongside the governor. However, Byuan dismissed the idea of an autom...
Read more

Flood Alert: Benue Basin Water Levels Near Flood, designates camps in 18 Local Government

Image
From Aviashima Toom, Abuja  SAHEL ReportersNews: Benue State Government and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have raised the alarm saying the rising water levels along the River Benue Basin have neared flooding any moment from now. Towards this end, the Benue State Government has designated camps in 18 Local Government Areas to shift would-be victims of flood. Data released by NIHSA yesterday showed a steady increase in water levels, approaching the flood threshold. “Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres. “Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8. 68 metres,” the report said. It noted that the rising waters, especially at Makurdi and Ibbi, had placed the River Benue Basin on high alert. The agency advised immediate preventive measures in states along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone. “The wat...
Read more