By Kolawole Ojebisi
Barely a day after Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state announced that his wife, son and other top officials of his administration had tested positive for COVID 19, one of the persons announced to have been struck by the virus is dead.
The deceased is Professor Godwin Achinge, Deputy Vice Chancellor ( DVC) Administration of the Benue State University( BSU),
Achinge, who doubled as the Vice chairman Benue State Emergency Committee on COVID 19, reportedly died in Jos Plateau state on Sunday.
Ortom had during a press conference on Saturday announced that apart from his wife, Eunice Ortom,who tested positive , Achinge, a member of the COVID 19 committee, was also infected with the virus.
He said, “It is no longer news that my wife, one of my sons and staff tested positive to the virus too.
“The test was carried out about a week ago. When the result came out 35 persons in the state tested positive to the virus.
“My test result came out negative. But the medical officers said that another test will be carried out on me after three days.
“So, after this interaction I will isolate myself. I will be in isolation until I have clearance from the medical officers.
The governor also disclosed during the press briefing that the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijohor and Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase Orbunde tested positive to COVID-19.
He further said that the State Head of Service, Mrs Veronica Onyeke also tested positive to the virus, alongside the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Benue State University, Makurdi, Prof. Godwin Achinge.(now deceased)
News of the death of the Deputy Vice chancellor ( DVC- Admin) of Benue State University (BSU) filtered into the public on Sunday.
Reports said he died in Jos where he was on admission and undergoing treatment .
At press time, there was no confirmation as to whether the late DVC died of complications from COVID 19.
But news of his death has been received with shock by many, especially the COVID 19 Committee and Benue State University Community.
There was no official statement from Benue State University or the Deputy Governor Benson Abounu- led COVID 19 committee but it was gathered they were consulting with the family and the university.
Many residents wept profusely on hearing the news of his death, saying they would miss a medical doctor who treated patient free of charge .
It was gathered that apart from working in Benue State University, late Professor Achinge was a Consultant, who offered free medical treatment to patients who came his way .
His consulting clinic is located beside popular Katsina Ala street in High-level area of Makurdi, Benue state capital .
