I am devastated, pained, Governor Ortom reacts to death of his commissioner

- Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has reacted to the death of his commissioner, Emmanuel Ikwulono

- Ikwulono died on Wednesday, November 11, following an undisclosed ailment

- Ortom, however, described Ikwulono's death as a big blow to his administration

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Hours after his commissioner for health and human service, Emmanuel Saleh Ikwulono died, the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has broken his silence.

Leadership reports that Ortom described the late commissioner as a true professional who built a wonderful working relationship with other members of the state executive council within his four months of service to the state.

Legit.ng gathered that while reacting to Ikwulono's death, the governor said it was devastating to his administration.

The governor, who spoke through the chief press secretary, Terver Akase, emphasised that the death was not only shocking and painful but had also created a vacuum very difficult to fill.

He said:

“The late commissioner for health and human services will be deeply missed by the government and people of the state for his proactive efforts in tackling health challenges confronting Benue people, particularly the fight against COVID-19."

Ortom prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the strength to bear the loss.

Ikwulono died on the evening of Wednesday, November 11, at an undisclosed hospital following complications from surgery.

The newspaper noted that the deceased, a native of Agatu local government area of the state, was sworn into office on August 5, 2020, after the resignation of Sunday Ongbabo, the former health commissioner.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that at least 17 persons were reported to have died of a strange disease in Okpeilo-Otukpa community, Ogbadibo local government area of Benue state.

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It was reported that a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, indicated that the late commissioner for health, Emmanuel Ikwulono, confirmed the deaths.

He added that others who have also contracted the disease are receiving treatment in different hospitals.

The commissioner said that the government was aware of the outbreak and has facilitated an investigation to establish the cause of the disease.

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Source: Legit.ng