Benue Records First Coronavirus Case As Ortom Orders Deputy To Undergo Test

Governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday disclosed that Benue State has recorded its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus disease otherwise known as COVID-19.

The Governor made this known while briefing newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital.

He revealed that the name of the patient as “Susan Okpe”, who returned from the United Kingdom, adding that the state action committee had already commenced contact tracing of about eight persons.

On why he revealed the identity of the patient, Ortom said her name was made known in order for those that have had contact with her to take necessary steps.

Governor Ortom also disclosed that he has ordered his deputy, Benson Abounu, to be tested for coronavirus.

According to the governor, 70-year-old Abounu was at a recently held National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

“We are already tracing of all those Susan Okpe came in contact with,” he said.

“In addition, samples of two other ladies have been collected but one among them turned to be negative to the virus.

“I have also told my deputy governor to go for a test having returned from the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja even though he told me that he had no close contact with those suspected to have contracted the virus.”