Mr. Benaoyagha Okoyen, the Consul General of Nigeria in New York has confirmed the death of three Nigerians from the ravaging COVID-19 disease, in the United States.
The envoy disclosed in a statement that the first case was a 60-year-old lady, Hajia Laila Abubakar Ali from Kano State. He said she died on March 25, while receiving treatment at the Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York.
He identified the second case as 25-year-old Bassey Offiong, a final year Chemical Engineering student at Western Michigan University, while the third is a medical practitioner, Dr. Caleb Anya, from Ohafia in Abia State.
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.
“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 also praised Nigerian medical professionals in the US that are 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 added.
