MONKEYPOX: Pandemonium as parents scramble to pick kids from schools in Anambra over rumours that Army injecting pupils with virus

There is an on-going scramble in Anambra State as scores of parents are rushing to pick up their wards in schools after IPOB members alleged that military officers have invaded school premises and are injecting students with monkeypox virus.

However, Anambra state government has reacted to the allegations of IPOB members that military officers in the state have invaded some schools and are injecting students with the virus.

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Refuting the claims, a statement was released through the secretary to the state government, Solo Chukwulobelu, saying the rumour is plot by mischief makers to cause tension in the state.

The secretary to the state government also confirmed that the state government has contacted the military to put on hold the medical outreach until the residents of the state are fully sensitized.
The state government’s statement read “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to an on going medical outreach being undertaken by the Army in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
“The State has been made to understand that the exercise is part of Army social responsibility to members of the public.

“However, strong apprehension among the populace has followed the exercise leading to withdrawal of students from schools by parents, misconception of the actual motive behind the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders and a general reservation by the public for whom the outreach is intended.

“To this end and to ensure no further escalation of the situation, His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has contacted the Army Authories and advised for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits. The exercise has therefore been put on hold.

“Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled. All schools within the State will remain open as there is no cause for alarm! Community leaders, Presidents General and all Stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the Governor and the State Government to the wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.

“The State Government also strongly condemns observed rhetorics on social media completely misrepresenting the situation with insinuations of spread of diseases and death of students in schools arising from the exercise. The State categorically refutes these rhetorics and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the State.. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful!”

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