It is unfortunate that Igala nation that recorded the first death of the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, late Suleiman Achimugu (may God forgives his shortcomings), is not ready to accept the existence of the pandemic and take an active preventive measures.
At this critical period that the entire world have accepted the fact that COVID-19 can extinguish half of the world population if not properly managed, Igala nation that is just number nine in Nigeria population of tribal nationality are toying with the most dreaded virus in our generation in the name of religions and social gathering.
The Holy Mosque of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW was shut down, the Vatican City was closed, even Jerusalem was not left out of this epidemic yet some people in Kogi East are busy celebrating Maulud, organized Fellowship even sendoff and wedding party as if we are not part of the world.
Prophet Muhammad SAW had advice to prevent and combat a development like COVID-19 pandemic in the past and every true believer of Islam most adhere strictly to this instructions:
“If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague outbreaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.”
He also stated that: “Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy.”
In the same vain, Bible guidelines as regard such disease include; “… avoiding contact with personal items of sick people that could transmit germs” (Leviticus 13:50–59).
The Holy Books also advice us to respect the people in position of authority and obey their instructions but unfortunately, even when our leaders across sections of governments, (Federal, State and LGA) advised everyone to stay at home and maintain some level of social distancing, some group of people deferred such order without remorse, this act is not only an insurbodination but sinful before the Supreme Being.
Suratul An-Nisa says; “… obey Allah, the prophet and those vested with authority”. Also, 1 Peter 2:17-18; “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king”
I want to inform the entire Igala nation to stop pushing our luck too far because of the advance negative effect of our action. At the moment all our hospitals from Idah through Anyigba and Ankpa are beautiful Public Health Center how then can we curtail such pandemic when it visited our land? God forbid. We must take precaution at this period to avoid unnecessary accusations and counter accusations when it happened. The only time we can avoid such carelessness is now.
Even when our politician, elites and religion leaders are not given needed attention to COVID -19 in the area of awareness and sensitisation of the people, let us all send the information back home as urgent as possible.
The symptoms of the deadly disease include; cough, fever, tiredness, difficulty breathing (severe cases).
In case of any suspected cases please call NCDC immediately at 080097000010
Coronavirus is COVID-19. It is real and it is in Nigeria, endeavour to always keep social distance, wash your hands always and try to stay back home as much as possible.
– Sule Isa Akagwu Kpaleko
Anyigba, Kogi State.
