There is growing apprehension in Nigeria over an impending lockdown on the country following continue spread and infection of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Nigeria recorded its first death from Coronavirus on Monday as the total number of confirmed cases in the country increased to 40.
A former managing director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Engr Suleiman Akowe Achimugwu, died of coronavirus on Sunday, a few days after he arrived Nigeria from the United Kingdom, a statement by a family member, Abubakar Achimugu, noted.
Earlier today (Tuesday), Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, tested positive for the virus.
THE WITNESS gathered that Kyari, who had recently returned from Germany through Egypt, did not show symptoms of COVID-19.
The Chief of Staff was said to have isolated himself upon return from the trip on suspicion that he may have been exposed to the virus.
Kyari upon his return was said to have been attending meetings including with Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, ministers and other members of the Federal Executive Council.
It was gathered that the FEC meeting had to be postponed after he started coughing severely and exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
The land borders which had been under partial closure will now be closed completely for human traffic for four weeks.
This is in addition to the directive issued at the weekend by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) restricting all international flights to all Nigerian airports.
Last night, four more cases of coronavirus was confirmed, three in Lagos and one in Abuja, in addition to the 36 cases earlier confirmed by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.
Confirming the rise of coronavirus cases to 36 yesterday afternoon, the minister noted that out of the 36 confirmed cases, 25 are in Lagos, six in FCT, two in Ogun, one in Edo, one in Ekiti and one in Oyo.