Benue government never apologise to coronavirus index case, Okpe, says online report misleading

The report published by Idoma News claiming that the Benue State Government has apologized to Susan Okpe, the Coronavirus index case in Benue State is as false as it is mischievous.

In a statement issued and made available to CAPITAL POST on Monday, by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ngunan Addingi, said no official of the Benue State Government sent an apology message in whatever form to the affected person. 

The statement said: “The State Government did not conduct the test on Mrs Okpe. 
“Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC carried out the COVID-19 test which came out positive. 

“The  Benue Government could therefore not have tendered apology for what it wasn’t responsible. 

It is also misleading to claim that “…the governor never knew the lady was related to Ochagwu (Lawani)”.  

“The identity of the index case including her family ties were fully known to the Governor and members of the State Action Committee long before the press briefing where the announcement was made. 

“We advise online platforms and other media to always verify stories before publishing them.