*Launches investigation into cause of deaths
From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state government on Sunday said it has begun a thorough investigation into deaths of prominent citizens and others in the state recently.
This followed the confirmation of the death of a Professor of Mass Communication at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Balarabe Maikaba, who reportedly died on Sunday.
Several people had been reported dead following mysterious ailment which some people said was malaria. There were also rumours that the dead were as a result of the dreaded corona virus.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba, the state government acknowledged recent deaths in Kano, promising that it 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.
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 populace 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 boarders, 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.”
The AUTHORITY reports that a Professor of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, (BUK), Balarabe Maikaba, died on Sunday.
He was said to have died of a complication arising from a long medical history of hypertension and diabetes.
He was buried at 4 pm at his family house, near Plaza cinema, Fagge quarters in Kano city on Sunday.
The AUTHORITY reports that the worse hit of recent deaths in Kano are the eight Local Government Areas that made up the Kano Emirate Council which are Taurani, Fagge,Nassarawa, Ungogo, Kumbotso, Dala, Gwale and Kano Municipal.
Among the prominent persons that died in Kano on Saturday were Prof Ibrahim Ayagi, Dr Musa Umar Gwarzo, Alhaji Dahiru Rabiu (former Grand Khadi), Musa Tijjani (Editor of Triumph Newspaper) and Adamu Isyaku Dal, who was a former Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board.
Others are Alhaji Salisu Lado, Hajiya Shamsiyya Mustapha, Hajiyaj Nene Umma, Alhaji Garba Sarki Fagge, Dr Nasiru Maikano Bichi, Secretary Student Affairs, North West University, Prof Aliyu Umar Dikko of Physiology Department, Bayero University Kano, and Ado Gwanja’s mother, among others.
