Coronavirus: What we know about the Indian B.1.617 variant of coronavirus

 

India has recorded the world's sharpest spike in coronavirus infections this month, with political and financial capitals New Delhi and Mumbai running out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.

Scientists are studying what led to an unexpected surge, and particularly whether a variant of the novel coronavirus first detected in India is to blame.

The variant, named B.1.617, has raised global concern after being reported in some 17 countries including Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the United States, Singapore and Fiji.

Here's what we know about it: HOW TO STOP Coronavirus

How does the B.1.617 variant differ from regular COVID-19?

The B.1.617 variant contains two key mutations to the outer spike portion of the virus, referred to as E484Q and L452R.

Both are separately found in many other coronavirus variants, but this is the first time they have been reported together.

 

Virologist Shahid Jameel explained that a "double mutation in key areas of the virus's spike protein may increase these risks and allow the virus to escape the immune system".

The spike protein is the part of the virus that it uses to penetrate human cells.

The WHO has described it as a "variant of interest", along with other strains with known risks, such as those first detected in the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa, signifying a higher threat level.

Are variants driving the surge in cases?

It's hard to say.

The WHO says more study is urgently needed. Laboratory-based studies of limited sample size suggested potential increased transmissibility, it concluded.

The picture is complicated because the highly transmissible B.117 variant first detected in the UK is behind spikes in some parts of India. In New Delhi, UK variant cases almost doubled during the second half of March.

The Indian variant, though, is widely present in Maharashtra, the country's hardest-hit state.

 

Prominent US disease modeller Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggested an "escape variant" may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations.

"That makes it most likely it's B.1.617," he said.

But gene sequencing data in India is sparse, and many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticised for allowing massive political rallies and religious festivals, which have been super-spreader events, in recent weeks.

 

White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said earlier this week that preliminary evidence from lab studies suggested Covaxin, a vaccine developed in India, appeared capable of neutralizing the variant.

Public Health England said it was working with international partners but that there was currently no evidence that the Indian variant and two related variants caused more severe disease or rendered the vaccines currently deployed less effective.

NEWS: ACF demands investigation on helicopter reportedly dropping supplies to bandits

 

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has suggested full, open and transparent investigation into the intercepted Helicopter reportedly dropping supplies to bandits.

The forum noted that a transparent investigation by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government would give a clear picture of the helicopter and clear any doubt that is being speculated.

Emmanuel Yawe, the ACF National Publicity Secretary in a statement believed that a full investigation on the issue would clear every doubt about the country’s security challenges.

The forum observed that at the peak of the kidnap of students of the Jangebe Government Girls’ Secondary School, Zamfara State, this year, the Federal Government slammed a ban on flights over the State.

ACF explained that its National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbe issued a statement calling for the ban to be extended to other states where there were rumours that arms, foodstuffs and other supplies were being dropped for bandits by a mysterious helicopter.

According to ACF, “Today, there are various accounts that a helicopter that has been used to drop supplies for the criminals has been arrested. The accounts are rather confusing with the rather scandalous accusation that a former Head of State, General Abubakar Abdulsalami is the owner of the aircraft.”

The forum noted that even though General Abdulsalam has since dismissed the rumour that he owned the helicopter, there was need for investigation due to the sordid revelations in the media.

ACF is convinced that there is need for an open and transparent investigation on the orders of President and Commander in Chief, Muhammadu Buhari.

The forum believed that the result of the investigation would “clear whatever doubts there are about righting the country’s security challenges.”

NEWS: Security agencies now run to us for help – South-East residents cry out

 

Those who are saddled with the responsibility of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians are no longer secured in some parts of the country, particularly the South-East and parts of South-South.

The joint security operatives in the two geopolitical zones have in recent time witnessed attacks in several security formations, making residents vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements.

DAILY POST recalls that there have been series of attacks on security personnel and public facilities in the regions, particularly Imo State in the South-East.

More worrisome is the unprecedented attacks on security operatives in Akwa Ibom and Rivers State a few days ago that led to the death of about 12 police officers who were on duty.

Recall that gunmen at the weekend attacked a Divisional headquarters in the Odoro Ikpe in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, gunned down five officers and one civilian.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macedon, who confirmed the incident to DAILY POST correspondent on phone, said the police command would ensure that the assailants were arrested and prosecuted.

According to the PPRO: “Yes, there was an attack of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Odoro Ikpe.

“Six persons, including five officers and a wife of an officer, were killed.”

He said items destroyed included vehicles and other valuables.

“I urge the good people of Ini LGA to stay calm as we are working with relevant security agencies and the state government to ensure that the situation is contained and necessary modalities put in place to forestall a reoccurrence.

“There is no cause for fear as the culprits will be brought to book in no distant time,” he said

Similarly, unknown gunmen killed at least seven police officers at different points in Rivers State between the same day as some stations were attacked and destroyed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Nnamdi Omoni, in a statement on Saturday said that the attack which took place at 8:30 pm, on Friday was carried out by “unknown gunmen who drove in two branded Hilic vans.”

Omoni said two policemen were killed by the gunmen at a special checkpoint between Choba community in Obio/Akpor and Emohua Local Government Areas and burnt a private car belonging to one of the officers.

The Rivers Police Spokesman said the second attack was launched on a police station in Rumuji, a town along the Bayelsa axis of the East-west road in Emohua LGA and dropped two more policemen dead and set a police patrol van ablaze.

According to the PPRO, the third attack was launched on another police station in Elimgbu Community in Obio/Akpor LGA, where three additional police officers were killed.

Some concerned citizens in some of the affected areas who spoke with DAILY POST on the telephone said the security agencies were no longer secured in the region, stressing that they were also in need of help.

A trader in Rumuokoro market Port Harcourt, who spoke with DAILY POST correspondent, lamented the level of insecurity in the State.

“Some security personnel in this part of the country are always scared of going to work for the fear of been attacked.

“I remember recently when there was an attack around this area, some of the police officers removed their uniform and joined as civilians so that they will not be killed.

“There is no day you will not hear news about killings in this state. First, it was cult activities when the rival cult groups were disturbing the peace of the state.

“Secondly, it was the fear of Fulani herdsmen in various villages across the state

“The insecurity in Rivers State has taken another turn since security situation got deteriorated across the country recently.

“It is no longer the usual cult war that the state is known for. Right now nobody is safe.

“When there are security problems in your area, the normal thing is that you run to a police station to be secured till probably when the situation is calm but the game has changed.

“The security agencies, police officers, the Nigerian army and other operatives now run to us for help. They are no longer safe. And our government is not helping matters.

“Our people keep dying on daily basis. This is not the Nigeria that I know. How we suddenly landed in this unquenchable firs remains unknown to me”.

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, serving in one of the villages in Orlu in Imo State, who pleaded not to be mentioned in print, regretted having the area as her Place of Primary Assignment, PPA.

She said the worsening security situation in Orlu is threatening the lives of corps members in the various communities.

“We are strangers here, we don’t know anybody so when there is a problem, we hardly know where to go.

“Although the citizens are good people and they are nice to us but that does not guarantee our safety. We are in God’s hand.

“Security operatives particularly the Nigerian army has assured us of our safety but the big question is, are they even safe?

“NYSC management should stop posting corps members to this part of the county maybe till normalcy returns”.

DAILY POST reports that Orlu the second largest city in Imo State is relatively the epicentre of attacks on police formations in the South-East region.

However, the Federal Government on Tuesday declared that the killing of security operatives in some parts of the country amounted to a declaration of war on the country.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed while reacting to the incessant attacks during a press conference in Lagos, condemned the trend, stating that the perpetrators would pay dearly for their actions.

According to the Minister: “I want to say, unequivocally, that any attack on our security men and women is an attack on the state and a declaration of war on the nation. It follows, therefore, that this will be countered with overwhelming force.

“Whether known or unknown gunmen, those engaged in this dastardly act will pay dearly for their actions”.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday during the security meeting which has been on since a week ago, approved new security measures specifically for the South East and South-South geo-political zones of the country.

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, who, briefed journalists at the State House shortly after the meeting, refused to reveal details of the measures.

BIAFRA NEWS : Again, hoodlums burn police station, kill one, vandalize Akpabio Unity Hall in Akwa Ibom

 

Unknown armed men in the early hours of Wednesday attacked the Police Area Command and Division in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, killed one officer and burnt down parts of the stations.

The officer killed has been identified as Police Constable, Edogi Bassey.

It was gathered that the hoodlums vandalized Senator Godswill Akpabio Unity Hall in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State.

The incidents reportedly occurred simultaneously in the two local government Areas Wednesday morning.

A resident of Essien Udim who did not want his name in print told DAILY POST that, “the hoodlums invaded Godswill Akpabio Unity hall today(Wednesday) broke the louvres, the ceilings as well as the plastic chairs inside the hall.”

The source told our correspondent that the reason for the destruction of properties in the hall and the vandalization of the building could not be ascertained adding that no life was lost in the Essien Udim attack.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon in a press statement issued after the incidents said the armed men in their numbers launched an attack on the police division and area command at about 6:30am.

He said the police officers on duty repelled the attack but unfortunately, one PC Edogi Bassey was shot dead in the battle adding that the gunmen who proceeded to Ika division to unleash mayhem were also repelled.

The statement in parts, “Armed Men, in their numbers, armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, in two vehicles attacked the rented building housing the Etim Ekpo Area Command and Division.

“The undaunted and vigilant Police Officers on duty gallantly fought back, repelled them and averted the intended carnage. Unfortunately, a dedicated Officer, one PC Edogi Bassey paid the supreme price while a small portion of the building was touched.

“The gunmen who proceeded to Ika Division to perpetuate their nefarious activities were successfully repelled again, leaving the station intact without loss of lives or arms.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP AMIENGHEME ANDREW who is going round formations and Divisions to ensure alertness and safety of Officers, Men and the People has called on law-abiding Citizens to volunteer timely information that will enable the Police tackle the present security challenges.”

BIAFRA NEWS: We recovered $153m, over 80 properties from Diezani Alison Madueke — EFCC boss, Bawa

 

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, says the anti-graft agency has recovered $153 million from Diezani Alison-Madueke, ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Bawa also said the EFCC recovered the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $80 million from Alison-Madueke, who has been living in the United Kingdom, UK, since leaving office some years ago.

He explained that the EFCC is looking forward to having the former Minister in the country, to face trial, given that she was out of Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

This was contained in the April edition of the commission magazine, EFCC Alert.

“There are several issues surrounding Diezani’s case. I was part of that investigation, and we have done quite a lot. In one of the cases, we recovered $153 million; we have secured the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $80 million. We have done quite a bit on that.

“The other cases as it relates to the $115 million INEC bribery is also ongoing across the federation. We are looking forward to the time we will, maybe, have her in the country and, of course, review things and see what will happen going forward. The case has certainly not been abandoned,’’ Bawa said.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja had fixed May 17 for the EFCC to report on how it complied with the court order in the trial of Alison-Madueke.

The EFCC had accused Alison-Madueke of fleeing the country to the UK, to escape justice, among others.

BIAFRA NEWS: Gov Uzodinma fires 20 commissioners

 

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday sacked 20 out of his 28 commissioners.

Recall that the governor earlier alleged that some of his appointees were moles sabotaging his administration.

He also reshuffled his cabinet and appointed new Commissioners for Finance and Health.

However, the Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Nwachuku Oguwike, said he wishes the affected appointees well in their future endeavours.

He also listed the eight commissioners not affected by the announcement to include; the ministries of Health, Youth and Sports, Tourism, Information and Strategy, Woman Affairs, Works, Finance and Technology.

“The Governor has relieved 20 commissioners of his caofet off their duties leaving only eight persons behind.

“The reason behind the new development is to infuse new blood and add more value to the governance system of the state.

NEWS: Eid-El-Fitri: Let your piety, prayer for Nigeria continue – Saraki

Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, has congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting.

Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Nigerians to continue their prayers for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country, even after the obligatory fasting period.

According to him, Ramadan represents a total change towards becoming good citizens who comply with the law and demonstrate patriotism at all times and not just symbolizes having a positive attitude during the fasting period.

He urged Nigerians to refrain from returning to their old habits and become responsible citizens who pray for the country at all times, play their roles in the quest to entrench the fear of God, discipline, unity, development, equity, justice and inclusiveness in the polity.

“The current situation in our country requires a sincere change of mindset by all Nigerians. We should use this post-Ramadan period and the lessons we learnt from the fasting period to steer clear of any action which does not bode well for our country. This is a period when we all need to pray to Allah to once again pull the country back from the precipice.

“ With the level of insecurity and economic crisis which have combined to worsen the rate of poverty in Nigeria, all Nigerians must unite and demonstrate patriotism that will help our country overcome the present challenges.

“Once again, I commend our security agencies at the frontline and pray that Almighty God will protect and give them victory over the insurgents and other non-state actors inflicting violence on our country. May Allah heal our land of any form of affliction”, Saraki added.