Niger launches manhunt for fleeing coronavirus patient

Niger State has launched a manhunt for another COVID-19 case who allegedly absconded from Minna isolation centre.

It was learnt the patient had started “manifesting symptoms of the disease” before he absconded.

Governor Abubakar Bello said he had sent a search party after the man to take him back to the isolation centre.

This makes the second time a coronavirus case will escape from an isolation centre in the state, the first being a woman from Kano who disappeared from the Suleja Isolation Centre.

Addressing reporters in Minna on Tuesday, the governor blamed the police for man’s escape.

Meanwhile, Bello has announced the extension of the lockdown on the state by another two weeks.

However, the state government retained the windows for the people to buy food items and observe Friday and Sunday prayers.

The governor banned commercial motorcycle operations.