There's a bit of disquiet among Nigerians following report that the new covid-19 strain currently raising concerns across the world since its emergence from South Britain, has been discovered in the country.
According to scientists from the UK government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) who have been tracking the variant, the new strain is swiftly becoming dominant, and could soon spread across the UK, and most likely, to other countries as well.
This latest discovery has raised concerns across the globe with about 40 countries already placing travel restrictions to and fro the United Kingdom.
Nigerians who have been greatly impacted economically, by the viral disease since it was first reported in the country, have been hoping for a swift return to normalcy and a better 2021, but have now been greeted with the news that the country in fact, had the new strain since August.
The news came from scientists at the Redeemer’s University, Nigeria. They claimed to have found the United Kingdom’s ‘lineage B.1.1.7,’ a mutant variant of the COVID-19 global pandemic, in Nigeria.
They reported that the ‘lineage B.1.1.7’ mutant variant of the coronavirus had been existing in Osun State since August 3, 2020, when they obtained the first sample.
They also reported the collection of another sample from the state in October, and it also showed the presence of this new variant.
The ‘lineage B.1.1.7’ variant of COVID-19 has recently become a source of concern in the United Kingdom, leading to another round of lockdown.
One user named, Ejikeme Igwe, reacted to the news by saying, "Every time na bad bad news dey come from Naija. We're still trying to come to terms with the kidnap and rescue mission saga and now una wan add pepper to injury. Can't tis scientists develop our home made vaccines?"
Another, Fadayomi Tosin, said, "They have found it in their dreams! They can discover but they can't destroy the disease! Scientist confused! Doctors confused! We that are on the Lord side shall be secured!"
Nigeria is currently experiencing a second wave of the pandemic with daily surge in reported cases of the COVID-19 disease.