Rumoured COVID grant draws crowds in Jigawa
Crowds gathered at the Gumel Local Government secretariat in Jigawa State after a viral social media post claimed residents with COVID-19 vaccination cards could receive a N75,000 cash grant. Many people left their daily activities hoping to benefit, only to find out the information was false. Idris Sani and Maryamu Salisu were among those disappointed when officials confirmed there was no such payment. Local authorities and health officials have since urged residents to verify information before acting on it.
What we know
- A viral WhatsApp message claimed that COVID-19 vaccination card holders would receive a N75,000 grant at the Gumel Local Government secretariat.
- Many residents, including Idris Sani and Maryamu Salisu, arrived at the secretariat but found no such payment.
- The Gumel Local Government Council, through Hussaini Gumel, called the rumour baseless and urged people to disregard it.
- The Jigawa State Ministry of Health, represented by Sagir Nayaya, confirmed there is no record or programme for such a grant.
- Officials are now sensitising residents to stop the spread of misinformation and to verify news from official sources.
