Deaths in Kano: it is not COVID-19, says govt based on preliminary reports

The Kano State government has initiated investigations into the deaths that has spiked fears that the state is being ravaged by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
But the government, through its spokesman and Commissioner of Information, Mallam Garba Mohammed, says preliminary reports rule out the pandemic.
Other unverified sources have claimed that what is being described as mysterious deaths has been a recurring decimal within this period in the last few years.
Others, like a professor of Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Usman Yusuf, insist it is is the dreaded pandemic and want the Federal government to step up its assistance to and presence in Kano State.
https://everyday.ng/kano-city-is-now-the-killing-field-of-covid-19-pandemic-in-africa/
Many more have scoffed at the emotional position of Kano indigenes, suggesting it is a ploy to harvest funds and resources from the central purse. Other state governments have also been accused of such gimmicks.
A Benue State indigene sent a reaction to a Nigeria Everyday report stating: “Must Benue state have COVID-19 cases? Why is Benue state government so desperate forcing people to accept their (government) fake test results. It is unacceptable. Is it a means of getting national cake?”
In Kano State, it is claimed that over 600, including prominent and lettered citizens of the area, have passed within a week. Some of the figures are attributed to unofficial sorces, like grave diggers.
Meanwhile, the Kano state government, in a statement on Sunday acknowledged recent the deaths, “promising that the state Government is on top of the situation, as Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has already directed the state Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.”
The state Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said although investigation into the cause of the deaths is still ongoing, preliminary report from the state Ministry of Health indicated that the deaths are not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that reports from the state Ministry of Health has shown that most of the deaths were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute maleria.
He further stated that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is earnestly waiting for the final report from the state Ministry of Health so as to take necessary action.
According to him, Governor Ganduje from the onset, demonstrated the zeal and political will to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
“Governor Ganduje’s administration has been commended from within and outside the state over the proactive measures it took towards curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This explains why Kano, apart from being the most (populated) state, did not record a case of the pandemic until lately.
“Though we agree that the situation on hand currently is serious, we are not resting on our oars in taking appropriate measures to ensure that the good people of Kano state, and indeed, residents in the state protect themselves from the novel COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.
He further noted that part of measures taken by the state government to stop the spread of the virus include the on-going lockdown, closing of (state) borders, aggressive campaign for social distancing, washing and sanitizing of hands, as well as strict adherence to and practice of the principles of personal hygiene.
He added that the government through the Kano COVID-19 Fund-Raising Committee, has been making palliatives available to the most vulnerable and the needy in the society.
Garba said, “moreso, the state government has three modern Isolation Centres where those tested positive to COVID-19 are being cared for. We are also hopeful of getting additional two Isolation Centres soonest.”
The government has also hired a hotel where suspected cases are accommodated.
“Also, Kano state government is collaborating with​ Bayero University Kano (BUK) to establish a testing centre within the institution, which will be ready in two weeks time after being certified by the NCDC. This will, indeed, enhance our determination to ensure that every suspected case undergo test.
“Governor Ganduje has also sent a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to urgently work on the NCDC testing centre at AKTH which has been closed down for sometime now.
“We have enough medical manpower that can take care of the patients. What we are now asking for is financial assistance from the Federal Government and other donors to help sustain all this infrastructure and also continue the provision of palliatives to our people.”
He noted that, “the state government is concerned over what is happening. The Ministry of Health is already handling the situation. When they are through with the medical investigation, further necessary actions will be taken.
“I urge the good people of Kano state not to panic. Government is on top of the situation. The mystery or whatever it is will soon be unravelled.”