NATIONAL: How General Irefin died — Army

THE Nigerian Army, on Sunday night, broke its silence on the death of the General Officer Commanding its 6 Division, Port Harcourt, General Olubunmi Irefin.

The Army affirmed that Irefin died during the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja, saying he was taken to Defence Medical Centre after he complained of fever, headache and mild cough.

It also added that Irefin’s medical history revealed that he was treated for malaria with parenteral artemether a week before the conference at 6 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued by the Army, it was said that the General had “fever but oxygen saturation was normal at 99%. Other vital signs were essentially stable on presentation.

“A working diagnosis of drug-resistant malaria to rule out lobar pneumonia and Covid-19 infection was made. He was also placed on ceftriaxone and Covid-19 test was requested.”

The statement added: “The sudden death of Major General JO Irefin is no doubt a great loss to the Nigerian Army (NA), his family and the country at large.

“In view of the fake news, unnecessary and wicked insinuations that started emanating from unknown group or individuals, the Army wishes to inform members of the public the sequence of events that led to the death of the late senior officer.”

General Olubunmi Irefin died on Dec.11. He had reportedly complained of discomfort and later found out to have contracted coronavirus.

The news of his health status put an abrupt end to the Chief Of Army Staff Conference.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, thereafter ordered all officers present to go into isolation as part of the protocols required to curb the spread of the deadly virus

He also announced that none of the officers present at the venue of the event should attend the wedding of his son scheduled for Saturday.

The Army’s statement is believed to have been issued to address the misgivings over the death of the general.

In a statement signed by A.A Aminu, a spokesman of the Ayetoro Development Association, where he hailed from, the kinsmen of the deceased said they suspected foul play.

They called on the authorities to investigate the general’s death, saying Covid-19 couldn’t have killed Irefin within such a short period.

They also questioned the army over its “haste in the burial” of Irefin.