With its progression to becoming the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has indicated the state government’s readiness to impose a total lockdown on Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State after consultations with the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Pepple III, CON, Perekule XI.

Wike gave this hint during an assessment meeting called at his instance in Government House, Port Harcourt today, where he expressed delight over the decision by three international oil and gas companies to collaborate in establishing a COVID-19 Treatment Centre in Bonny LGA.

The State Chief Executive, in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim, noted that the pledged Treatment Centre is expected to be prepared and equipped within the next four weeks.

The donating companies include the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

According to the statement, the Governor urged the oil companies to provide basic hygiene items like hand sanitizers and water at strategic places across Bonny LGA.

The statement added that, on the issue of denial pervading the community, Wike promised to engage the traditional institution and community development committees to enlighten their people on the reality of the pandemic.

The State Commissioner for Health, Professor Princewill Chike disclosed that some results of samples collected in Bonny show presence of COVID-19 and that the lack of Treatment and Testing Centre posed a serious threat.

Kristina Reports had broken the news a fortnight ago that some of the samples collected by a combined team of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Rivers State Ministry of Health, returned two positive cases, which represented the index cases for Bonny LGA.

This position was confirmed next day by the Chairman of Bonny LGA, David Irimagha in a statement by his office.

So far, unconfirmed reports have it that about six COVID-19 related deaths four on Saturday, June 6, 2020, and two today, June 8, 2020 – have occurred in Bonny Island in the past week.