Nigeria’s Consul General in NY confirms 3 Nigerian dies of coronavirus

The Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen, has confirmed that three Nigerians in the United States have died ‏from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Nigerianjournalgathered 

Okoyen made the announcement in a statement sent to newsmen in New York on Saturday evening.

He said one of them, a doctor from Abia, contracted the virus; while on duty in New York, the epicentre of the pandemic in the U.S.

The envoy identified the second person as 25-year-old Bassey Offiong; a final year Chemical Engineering student of Western Michigan University whose case the Nigerian media had reported.

Okoyen said: “It is regrettable to announce that three Nigerians have died of COVID-19; in the United States of America.

“The first case was a 60-year-old lady, Hajia Laila Abubakar Ali of Kano descent, who died on March 25; while receiving treatment at the Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York.

“Secondly, 25-year-old Bassey Offiong from Calabar, a final year Chemical Engineering student; of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo; died on Saturday, March 28, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

“Unfortunately, the last case was a medical practitioner, Dr Caleb Anya; from Ohafia in Abia State. Coronavirus is very real from all indications and the impact is gruesome.

“He died while rendering service to humanity; on the forefront of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in New York on April 1.

“On behalf of the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York; I wish to extend our condolences to the families of the deceased Nigerians; in this tragic circumstance.’’

The consul general saluted the sacrifice of medical personnel; and also other essential workers risking their lives on the frontline to save others.

“We are particularly very proud of Nigerian medical professionals in the USA; who form part of the incredible workforce in the service of humanity at this time,’’ he also added.