Kano Deaths: Gov. Ganduje Says Deaths Caused By Terminal Diseases, Acute Malaria; Medical Experts Differ

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has finally opened up on the causes of deaths of Kano State residents in the past few days. At the last count, over 640 deaths have been recorded in the State.

The Kano State Governor said that the mass deaths in the State were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute malaria.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba, on Sunday, recalled that Governor Ganduje has directed the state Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.

Consequently, according to the statement, a preliminary report from the health ministry indicate that the deaths were not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commissioner added that reports from the state ministry show that most of the deaths were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute malaria.

He further stated that Mr Ganduje was “earnestly waiting” for the final report from the state Ministry of Health so as to take necessary action.

“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.

Mr Garba 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 borders, 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, had been making palliatives available to the most vulnerable and the needy in the state.

Garba added that, “more so, 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 some time 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. The government is on top of the situation. The mystery or whatever it is will soon be unravelled.”

But reacting, to the Governor, political Analysts say the excuses given by the Governor was elementary  and unwarranted.

Towobola Damilola, an analyst says it was wrong for the governor to come out to say that people died of  particular ailments or diseases without verifiable evidence.

“Is Governor Ganduje a medical doctor to ascertain that the people died of what he has said. Where is their medical history, doctors report? The governor ought to have promised  a thorough investigation rather assuming and misinforming the public.

In the same vein, Medical Experts have queried the statement by Governor Ganduje, asking whether any autopsy was carried out on the dead bodies.

Dr. Fred Akingbule, a medical doctor and an endocrinologist, asked how the Governor reached that conclusion that these people died of Diabetes, Hypertension and Acute Malaria. Who were the medical personnel that gave the medical report of the deceased?, he asked.

“It is impossible for 640 people to have died of the same disease. What is the age bracket of all the dead victims? We should stop giving false information about what we are not sure of, and sadly, this is coming from a Governor of a State. It is quite pathetic and disheartening”, he concluded.