Ogun State Government has denied reports that a taxi driver who drove the Coronavirus victim from Lagos to Ewekoro, had escaped.
Report had gone viral on social media that the driver had demanded N100 million, threatening to spread the chronic virus, if not paid.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Somorin, described the report as “figment of the imagination of some unscrupulous elements whose desire is to incite fear in the members of the public.”
It said there is no reason to panic, adding that the situation is being controlled and contained.According to the statement, everyone that had any link with the Italian victim of the dreaded virus since he arrived the country has been quarantined, while others who had primary contacts interactions with victims are equally being monitored.
It reads: “We wish to put it straight that there is nothing of such. It is the figment of the imagination of some unscrupulous elements whose desire is to incite fear in the members of the public.
“This period calls for sombre, responsible and responsive actions. COVID-19 is challenging the global community like no other disease in the past. The government is treating the challenge as such. How to contain and provide lasting solution to the scourge is our concern. We do not wish to dissipate energy on responding to this kind of frivolity. We all must be sensitive at this critical time in our history.
“As a government, we assure that all the people already quarantined are in good spirit and they are cooperating with our medical personnel.
“Besides, we already have the phone number of some few other contacts the Italian national came close to and they are being monitored.
“There is no reason to panic. The situation is being controlled and contained.
“It is therefore important we do what is expected of us as individuals in terms of personal hygiene and in ensuring that we sensitize those suspected of symptoms associated with COVID-19.”
