By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa
Owerri – Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo says no case of Monkey Pox has been dictated in the state, describing the rumour of its presence as false.
Okorocha spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo , on Wednesday in Owerri.
The governor also dismissed speculations on the social media that some medical personnel with the aid of soldiers were immunising school pupils to fortify them from the virus.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students from both private and public schools in Imo were suddenly dismissed from school over the Monkey Pox spread alarm.
The situation caused serious pandemonium as students and parents scamper to find their ways home within Owerri metropolis.
However, Okorocha said there was no cause for alarm.
He said that the state was not among the states listed by the Federal Government to have had any case of the virus.
“Federal Government has listed some states where the virus is currently detected and also placed some states on close monitoring.
“Imo state does not fall into any of these categories; I wonder why people should carry this kind of wicked rumour,” he said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Andrew Enwerem, told NAN that the police was yet to receive any official report of the military aiding medical personnel on immunisation.
He advised residents to go about their normal businesses and called for calm in the city.
He also said the situation was under serious investigation, adding that the police will make public any relevant information received. (NAN)