- Category: News Extra
- Written by Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt
As
a result of the deadly Ebola virus disease, which a Nigerian diplomat,
Olu-Ibukun Koye took to Port Harcourt from Lagos, expatriates are
leaving the country.
Investigations reveal that foreigners,
especially those from Asia countries, who work in multinational
companies located in Port Harcourt, are leaving the city in droves for
fear of contacting the dreaded virus.
Many foreigners, mostly of India extraction, were seen at the Port Harcourt International Airport with their families making efforts to board international flight back to their countries.
Many foreigners, mostly of India extraction, were seen at the Port Harcourt International Airport with their families making efforts to board international flight back to their countries.
Some of the expatriates, who spoke to reporters, said they were afraid of contacting the dreaded virus and decided to go back to their countries. One of them who spoke under the condition of anonymity said, “We are very scared because Ebola has no cure. So we want to go back to India. We don’t want to take chances; hence the reason why we want to go back to our country. I am here with my kids and wife. We want to leave Nigeria for our country.’’
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Since the Ebola outbreak in Port Harcourt, the Garden City has lost its peace. Residents now live in fear. Body contact, backslapping and the traditional handshake have become a taboo in the city. Nightlife, which the Rivers State capital is noted for, has become a nightmare. In churches, the spiritual laying of hands by clergies has stopped. In various hospitals, mere symptoms of fever and diarrhea have become a dangerous venture medics don’t want to trade on. Hospitals in Port Harcourt and its environs now reject patients with symptoms of malaria and diarrhea.
The prices of hand-gloves and sanitisers have increased tremendously.
Addressing traditional rulers and religious leaders in Port Harcourt on the Ebola disease, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State enjoined them to sensitise the people in their different domains and partner with his administration in its rescue efforts.
The state government is also getting assistance from multinational companies in Port Harcourt in its fight against the virus.
