Nigerian Army General Dies of COVID-19

December 10, 2020
Nigerian Army Tukur Buratai

By Ahmed Rahma

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Major-General Johnson Olu Irefin, had died from coronavirus-related complications on Thursday.

Mr Irefim, who died in Abuja after testing positive for COVID-19, was a participant at the Chief of Army Staff’s 2020 annual conference held in Abuja. While at the event, he fell ill and was taken to the hospital on Tuesday evening.

The deceased was the GOC 81 Division Nigerian Army in Lagos before he was appointed as the GOC in Port Harcourt in July 2020, replacing Major General Felix Agugo.

The death of the top brass of the army led to the cancellation of the conference in Abuja, a statement from the spokesperson of the army, Mr Sagir Musa, said on Thursday.

He further stated that all the participants have been mandated to immediately proceed on self-isolation, in line with the federal government’s protocol on COVID-19 and to prevent any further spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the COAS, Mr Tukur Buratai, whose son is getting married on Friday, December 11, 2020, will not be able to attend to his guests because of the development.

He has also been forced to reduce the number of dignitaries expected at the event tomorrow so as to safeguard the lives of his guests, family and the new couple.

None of the officers present at the cancelled conference would be welcomed at the wedding ceremony as they are supposed to be self-isolating as required for people who have had contact with an infected person.

In another statement, Mr Musa disclosed that, “The Chief of Army Staff, on behalf of his family, feels honoured to sincerely appreciate, thank and welcome all dignitaries and invited guests to his son’s wedding slated for Friday, December 11.

“However, due to the resurgence of the pandemic in the FCT, Buratai will be unable to personally attend to, receive, or meet you at the event. All inconveniences are hereby regretted please.”

Rahma Ahmed

Ahmed Rahma is a journalist with great interest in arts and craft. She is also a foodie who loves new ideas. She loves to travel and would love to visit other African countries someday. She is a sucker for historical movies and afrobeat.

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