Virus fells army top dogs

Lagos – At least 26 Nigerian generals have tested positive for the coronavirus after they attended a conference in the nation’s capital and one has died, the army said.

Testing was ordered following the death of Major-General John Irefin during the 2020 Chief of Army Staff annual conference in Abuja last week.

“The chief of army staff directed the immediate suspension of the conference and all participants were directed to move into self-isolation,” said an army statement. “Comprehensive testing of all participants commenced immediately.”

By Sunday, 417 personnel had been tested with 26 confirmed positive cases.

Nigeria has reported a spike in virus infections in recent weeks, sparking fears of a second wave of the pandemic.

The 3 820 fresh Covid-19 cases last week represents a 142% increase from the previous week’s 1 607 cases.

Nigeria had seen a drop in infections since the start of October with a daily average of less than 200 cases.

Health authorities fear Nigeria might not be able to cope with a second wave because poorly equipped health facilities and unmotivated personnel.

Health minister Osagie Ehanire has blamed rising infections on people failing to uphold preventive measures.