Benue COVID-19: FG right to isolate Susan Okpe, family says

By Toby Prince

The family of Susan Okpe, Benue’s index COVID-19 case, has backed the Federal Government’s handling of the patient.
Okpe has attracted the sympathy of Nigerians after alleging that the Benue State Government wrongly declared her positive in March.

And ever since her transfer to an isolation centre in Abuja, she has been at loggerheads with authorities, reportedly refusing her samples to be retested.
There are even reports that a protest is being schemed in Benue on Friday.

However, in a statement signed by Bar Austin Lawani, the family said the FG have “medical and legal reasons under extant laws for isolating any of her citizens”.
Meanwhile in a swift reaction, Susan Okpe described communique from family members as pure family politics and asked to be exempted from such.

Read full statement below:
The Lawani family of Ogbadibo LGA, of Benue state wishes to state as follows:
That Susan Okpe, Nee Lawani is our dear sister,
That she has been under medical isolation at the National Hospital, Abuja for observation and possible care,
That the Federal Government of Nigeria has medical and legal reasons under extant laws for isolating any of her citizens, our sister inclusive, especially in the face of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic,
That as a family, we dearly love our Sister and have demonstrated same since her isolation. We are in constant touch with her. At the same time, we are in dialogue with the relevant authorities, Agencies, Institutions and Officials of Govt. with respect and regards to her welfare, state of health and possible discharge.
We are a law abiding family and would continue to pursue same objective to ensure her safe release and or discharge as soon as possible.
We want to sincerely thank the general public and concerned citizens for solidarity thus far over her situation in Nigeria. We can only ask God Almighty to bless you all. Thank you immensely.