The governor of Kano State, Mr. Abdullahi Ganduje has directed the ministry of health state to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of unexplained deaths that have occurred in the state recently.
It would be recalled that in the last one week, prominent persons have died mysteriously in the state.
They included 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.
Yesterday, Prof. Balarabe Maikaba, a senior lecturer of mass communication at the Bayero University, Kano, was reported dead.
Undertakers at cemeteries in Kano also claimed that many were buried in the last few days.
In a statement, the government acknowledged that deaths are not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commissioner of information, Mr. 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.
“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 malaria. (Sic)
“Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is earnestly waiting for the final report from the state ministry of health so as to take necessary action.
“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 populous 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.
“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 unraveled.”
