TYPICAL NIGERIANS WONT READ THIS!

I didn’t know how to start today’s write up. I’ve got too many words on my mind. ’Too many sentences to type. I was discussing with a friend few minutes ago when I got a call that someone I know was robbed last night in her home of all her valuables, beaten and almost raped in the presence of her son. Where are we going in this country? Are things getting better or getting worse? For every one step forward we take as a nation, we also take 7 steps backward. Humm…. today, my focus is not on rape or sexual abuse but on the most common word on the lips of every Nigerian today – “E.B.O.L.A”

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE (EVD) IN NIGERIA

As at today (Thursday, August 14, 2014), currently there are 198 cases of persons living with Ebola in Nigeria (both suspected & confirmed cases). In West Africa, 1,069 persons have died out of 1,975 people. Liberia has been the most hit with 71 new cases this week and 32 deaths. 56 deaths and 128 cases have been reported in this same period across all four West African countries affected by the virus.

1. Late Patrick Sawyer:

It’s unfortunate the way majority of Nigerian have chosen to blame Patrick Sawyer for our own woes and failures as a nation. The President called him a “crazy man”. Some called the late Patrick Sawyer a “terrorist” at a presidential function yesterday. Ignorant Nigerians send curses to Sawyer’s grave from every corner (as if that would make a difference). Am not saying  Sawyer was right, neither will I say he was wrong, But we need to learn to look for ways forward, instead of crying over spilt milk in Nigeria. Sawyer’s widow talked about how Patrick knew he had the virus and was hoping to get better treatment in Nigeria because of the poor healthcare system in Liberia (lol… Wrong address). Sawyer should have known better that the healthcare system in Nigeria is nothing to write home about.

2. The Banker:

Someone very close to me works for a leading Bank here in Nigeria. Two days ago she gave me an inspiration for this write up. There was a foreign customer who walked into the bank to withdraw some funds sent to him via western union. This foreigner was therefore asked to provide his international passport for sighting before he could get the money. This was when the Banker discovered that his International passport was not stamped (which means he entered the country illegally), therefore she told him there was no way she could give the funds to him because he was an illegal immigrant. The customer confided in this Bank worker. He said he was from one of the West African countries currently plagued with Ebola. He came into Nigeria by road one week ago and was residing in a hotel. The money was sent from his country by his relative because he needed to settle his hotel bills. Never the less, she still could not release the funds to him because it is against the bank’s policy.

My point: How was this man able get pass the Nigerian boarders illegally last week? Was he tested for Ebola? How many illegal immigrants entering into Nigeria by road are currently in the country? Who will stop them- Is it the poorly paid Nigerian Border patrol workers who take cash bribes from desperate immigrants? At a time like this, when every other country has closed its boarders OR run Ebola tests on whoever is entering the country, Nigeria is yet to do same. Instead Nigerians and President Jonathan sit there and choose to blame the late Patrick Sawyer.  Was it Patrick Sawyer who brought this man in too? What is the responsibility of our government? Aren’t we asleep? Ponder on these questions for a minute.

3. Telecomms: Despite the amount of money telecommunication giants make from Nigerians on a daily basis, one will expect that part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) at a time like this will be to send messages to subscribers, improving awareness or correcting fake notions. Instead this is what we get: “To know more about Ebola, send a message to 3000. All messages will be charged N50”. Ebola has now become an avenue to make money for some Telecomms. company. Is this Patrick Sawyer’s fault too? What is the responsibility of our government when telecoms can seize any means to exploit Nigerians at any given opportunity? Aren’t we deceiving ourselves in this country?

4. Healthcare System/ workers: Few days ago, there was the case of a man travelling for medical treatment via Muritala Mohammed Airport, lagos. Suddenly he was in pains, started vomiting, screamed for a while, fell and died. While all these happened, people took to their heels for the fear that the man had Ebola virus in his system. No one wanted to help him. There were no health workers on ground at the airport to test this man for Ebola. It was later discovered after his death, that he was Ebola negative and had a different medical condition.

My Point: Currently there are only 3 laboratory test centres for Ebola in Nigeria (a country with over 150 million people). These centres are:  LUTH, Redeemers University, Ogun state and Abuja. How difficult can it be for the Nigerian government to make mobile laboratories and test kits for Ebola available nationwide? How difficult is it for the government of Nigeria to provide trained healthcare workers and designate them in every airport; at every Nigerian boarder and public facilities? Trained personnel who would not run away at the sight of anyone with a fever. Ohhh, I just remembered – DOCTORS HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE SINCE JULY 1^ST, 2014 and the President is less concerned even at a time like this. Should we blame Patrick Sawyer for our government’s negligence? Is this Patrick Sawyer’s fault too?

5. Runaway Nurse: One nurse, who was quarantined for Ebola in Lagos, is said to have ran away from the center to Enugu State. Because of her action, currently, 20 people in Enugu state who had direct contact with her are said to be quarantined presently. Is this woman a trained nurse at all? My people, Please, was it Patrick Sawyer who is long dead, that made this nurse run away? Why weren’t there security personnel on ground at the quarantine Centre in Lagos?  What is the responsibility of our government? Even her husband and relatives knew she ran away but stupidly took her in. As good citizens, were they supposed to allow her? Yet all fingers point to Patrick Sawyer even in death.

6. Social Media Jokes: Ebola has now become a topic for jokes by comedians and irresponsible Nigerians who spend time to draft and send silly broadcasts via blackberry, facebook, twitter, etc. Ebola is not a funny matter in any way. This virus is killing our brothers and sisters here and in neighboring countries within 2- 21 days of manifest, yet we joke about it? If one of your relatives were infected with Ebola, will u find it funny? (Save the “God forbid” for the birds). Should we blame Patrick sawyer for the stupid broadcasts on social media as well? Instead of spending time to draft precautionary measures, we spend time to make silly jokes about Ebola or Liberia? Is the stupidity of Nigerian youths also Patrick Sawyer’s fault?

            I know some of you may say “After all, Patrick Sawyer was the genesis of this virus in Nigeria”. But I put it to you that Patrick Sawyer IS NOT. Either by hook or by crook, this virus was definitely going to enter Nigeria because we lack many basic amenities and our government is irresponsible. Patrick Sawyer was just unfortunate because he is the prominent person we all know. Currently, there are many immigrants entering Nigeria daily by road or other means with this virus whom we do not know their names. These people are also here for a cure from Nigerian Pastors who claim to have the cure for every disease because of our foolishness. Christianity is not stupidity, LETS NOT DECIEVE OURSELVES!

 I am glad that Pastor TB Joshua has publicly announced that all foreigners who like to come to his church for healing should stay in their country till further notice. That is a step forward in the right direction.

Dear Nigerians, face your battles responsibly. Blame yourselves. Blame the people you elected into government. Lastly, strategize ways forward instead of celebrated eye service and silly jokes about Ebola.

 

R.I.P Patrick Sawyer!

Edna Wey

19yr-old boy rapes nursing mother in Edo State

The Police in Edo State has arrested 19-year old Peter Braimoh who allegedly raped a 24 year-old nursing mother at Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Council of Edo State. The suspect was said to have gained entrance into the victim’s residence through the window at about 4am, knowing that the husband was not around.  On gaining entrance into the house, he ordered the woman to undress and allow him have sex with her or her little baby will be shot dead. while the victim was pleading with the suspect to take whatever valuable in the room and leave her alone, the suspect was said to have gone for the little baby and turned him upside down, forcing the mother to her kneels as she begged the suspect to spare the life of the baby.

Following the persistent threat, the nursing mother agreed to the suspect’s advances and she was raped by the suspect. However, after the incident the suspect escaped but the matter was reported to the police Division in Agenebode. The police swung into action and the suspect was trailed to an undisclosed location where he was arrested. The Police in Agenebode transferred the case to the State Police headquarters in Benin City last Sunday.

The suspect who spoke to newsmen at the state Police Command attributed his action to the handiwork of the devil and appealed for mercy from the government. He said, “ the devil pushed me to go and make love to her because I have been seeing her. I don’t know when and how it happened, I am only appealing that they should forgive me I will not try such thing again in my life”.

However, the victim who is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, appealed to the police to investigate the matter and prosecute the suspect. The Edo state Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo assured tour team that the matter would be charged to court after investigation.

VANGUARD 09/08/14

15 men gang rape 16-yr-old girl in Rivers State

The Nigerian Police have arrested members of a 15-man gang that allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Gbuga area of Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The state Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, told newsmen, yesterday, at the Police headquarters in Port Harcourt that the girl allegedly attended a party organised in the area, adding that she took a glass of strong drink offered her by one of the rapists which made her pass out before she was allegedly raped by 15 men. He said: “The victim reported that she attended a party at Ogbuga Street in Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt organised by one Tina. While at the party, she was given a glass of strong drink by Tambari Dumlesi. That was the last memory she had before she was raped by 15 men. She woke up to find herself in torn boxers and with swollen privates.

“The victim has since been taken to the Police clinic for check up and treatment while three suspects have been apprehended. Investigation is still on.”

PUNCH - 27/06/14

 

My wife infected me with HIV – Killer husband

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Phillip Katongu, for allegedly stabbing his wife to death. Katongu, who hails from Wamba, Nasarawa State, was apprehended by operatives of the Department of Criminal Investigations, Yaba, Lagos.The police said the victim, Justina, was stabbed to death in a street at Oniru Estate, Maroko, Lagos, where she and her husband were living.

Our correspondent learnt that Justina was stabbed in about three places before she died. Also, the knife used for the murder had been recovered by the police.

 

Justina, who hailed from Kauro, Kaduna State, did not have any child for the suspect before her death.It was also learnt that Katongu, who worked as a construction worker on the Victoria Island, had a wife outside the marriage in Nasarawa State before marrying the deceased. However, after having allegedly killing the wife, Katongu was said to have also attempted to commit suicide before the neighbours forced the door open and rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was revived.

Forty-five-year-old Katongu, told policemen that he killed his wife because she infected him with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, among other misdeeds.

 

He said, “I married Justina, my second wife in December 2010. I later learnt that she had given birth to two girls for a man. The girls died of AIDS. “However, when we first met, she did not tell me all these. I explained to her that I have a wife with children and I wanted to marry her too. Before marriage, I told her we should go to hospital to conduct HIV test, but she refused and said that she was HIV negative. So we started sleeping together.” Katongu added that without his knowledge, his wife had been going to Abuja for medical treatment every three months for HIV, until March 2013 when she took him along. He said it was at the hospital that she disclosed her HIV status to him.

 

He said, “I was angry and told the doctor who equally blamed her for not disclosing it to me. The doctor then tested me, and I was positive. We came back to Lagos and continued with the relationship because I loved her. But suddenly, she told me she wanted to pack out from my house that she was no longer interested in marrying me having had another person in Abuja. In fact, the man usually called her on phone while we were together. “I told her that with her status, she should not go and be infecting people with the virus. And that I will kill her and kill myself. We started fighting and I stabbed her. It was in the early hours. I stabbed her three times with a knife. She shouted and people were knocking at our door.

 

After she died, I stabbed myself, and the people broke the door open. I woke up to find myself in a hospital. I feel very bad that I killed my wife. I loved her very much.”

 

-  Today's PUNCH

Ebola prevention: Myth and truth

The Ebola outbreak in Guinea and its spread to other areas of West Africa, including Nigeria has caused global alarm. According to the Centre for Disease Control, since the detection of Ebola in March, the number of suspected and confirmed cases attributed to Ebola in the West African countries, such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria stands at 1,711.

 

Meanwhile, a Saudi man who tested for the disease has died in Jeddah after returning from Sierra Leone on Sunday. If there were a linkage of the Saudi man’s death to the Ebola virus, it would be the first fatality outside the West African countries. As one of the world’s most infectious and deadly diseases, with no cure, the level of fear, surrounding Ebola is to an extent expected. However, much of the fear is rooted in misunderstandings. Dispelling this is perhaps the biggest challenge in tackling Ebola and is critical to furthering our knowledge about the disease and efforts to control it.

 

Here is the myth versus the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about Ebola virus:

 

Myth: Ebola virus is airborne, waterborne or spreads through casual contact.

Truth: Ebola virus spreads when the bodily fluids of an infected person meet the mucous membranes of a non-infected person. That means Ebola virus in fluids, such as saliva, blood, sweat or urine has to be exposed to your eyes, mouth, nostrils, ears, genital area or an open wound in order to infect you.

In other words, it takes a lot of contact, not just casual contact, to become infected with the virus. This is the reason why many of the victims of the disease in West Africa are health care workers or family members caring for a sick relative. For example, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during a news conference in Abuja, revealed that a nurse, who was one of the medical personnel that attended to the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, died of the disease. He also confirmed that five other medical practitioners, who participated in the treatment of Sawyer, were infected with the virus.

 

Myth: This is the first major outbreak of Ebola.

Truth: This is the largest outbreak of Ebola in history, but it is not the first. The virus was first diagnosed in humans in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it infected 318 people and had an 88%  fatality rate. Since then, various strains of the disease have popped up around the African continent, infecting as many as 425 people in 2000, and most recently, 57 people in 2012, according to World Health Organisation, as of August 4, 2014, the most recent count available, Ebola virus in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria since the virus emerged again this year.

 

Myth: Ebola can be treated with antibiotics, bathing with salt, chewing large quantity of bitter kola, onions, or drinking condensed milk.

Truth: Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. At present, there is neither a cure nor a vaccine for the Ebola virus. Instead, there is an experimental serum called ZMapp, which contains antibodies designed to help block the virus. Before the 2014 Ebola outbreak, it was only tested on monkeys and has not been approved for human use.

 

Myth: Ebola liquefies your organs, which causes bleeding from the orifices.

Truth:Ebola symptoms can include bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. However, the body’s organs are not liquefied. Once the Ebola virus makes its way into the body, it gets in the body’s cells and replicates itself. Then it produces a protein that is called ebolavirus glycoprotein, and attaches to the cells on the inside of the blood vessels. This increases permeability of the blood vessels, leading to blood “leaking out” of the vessels. Even people who do not show hemorrhagic symptoms will experience this leaking of blood from the vessels. The continuous loss of blood will eventually lead to shock and ultimately death.

 

To reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community, close contact with infected patients, particularly with their bodily fluids need to be avoided. Also, do not touch sick people who show symptoms of Ebola, such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches and sometimes heavy bleeding. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients. The patient should be rushed to the necessary medical Centre immediately. Do not touch the dead bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients. Wash your hands with water and soap regularly. Make use of hand sanitisers after coming in contact with objects for use in public places. Communities with any suspected case of Ebola should inform the relevant authorities. There should be prompt and safe burial of people who have died of Ebola.

 

In conclusion, reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats, monkeys, apes, can be achieved by thorough cooking of animal products, such as blood and meat, to proper heat and sterilising procedures. At this time, the consumption of raw meat should be discouraged. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing.

 

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Olufemi Oboye