Abba Kyari's death: Don't joke with COVID-19, NCWS President warns Nigerians

The President of National Council of Women's Societies, Dr Gloria Laraba Soda, has called on Nigerians not to joke with the Coronavirus disease ravaging the whole world, and rather abide by the lockdown rules in order to contain the pandemic.

She stated this in her condolence message on the death of President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The deceased died on Friday after about three weeks of contracting the COVID-19 and has been buried on Saturday morning according to Islamic rites.

Mrs Soda, a chief and PhD holder, said, "The passing on, of Mallam Abba Kyari came as a shock having heard that he was already recovering from his illness".

She prayed that the Almighty would grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss".

The national women leader said, "The fact that he died of coronavirus further confirms that the virus is real and people must not joke about black people being immuned to it or heat weakening the strength of the virus.

"Coronavirus is no respecter of status, age, race or colour of the skin. We must all adhere strictly to the advice of the health workers and obey all government instructions on the preventive methods" She explained.