Sokoto herbalists ‘find cure’ for COVID-19

Herbalists in Sokoto State have reportedly discovered a herb that may cure the deadly COVID-19.

The medicine from the herb, our correspondent in the state learnt, was used to treat a suspected victim of the virus.

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The Member representing Dange-Shuni/Bodinga/Tureta Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, had presented the herbs to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Sokoto office, for further tests and trial.

Dr. Kakale who is a member of the House Committee on COVID-19, said the herb was discovered by herbalists from his constituency.

He said, “As a member of the House Committee on Covid-19, we emphasise on finding a local remedy for COVID-19, and based on that instruction from our leader, the Speaker of the House, I summoned a meeting of traditional medicine leaders in my area who claimed to have a remedy that can cure and prevent the disease. This is why we brought some of the samples to NAFDAC for rigorous scientific and laboratory tests to ascertain their claim.

“My aim is to inspire a traditional medical/therapeutic industrial revolution that uses home-grown pharmaceutical and therapeutic ingredients with value chain addition that can create thousands of jobs and attract billions of naira in investments for my constituency of Bodinga/Dange-Shuni/Tureta and Sokoto State.”

He further disclosed that infectious disease research institutes from the state of Minnesota and Ohio in the United States of America (USA) had requested for samples for clinical trial and laboratory testing.

Kakale explained that, “The two institutes expressed happiness over the discovery and requested for samples for laboratory testing. I am happy we are going global.”

Kakale added that if the medicine turned out effective, it would enhance national security and economy as many countries would turn to Nigeria for cure of COVID-19.

One of the herbalists claimed that the medicine was used in curing a suspected COVID-19 patient in Shuni town.

He explained that the drug was initially used in curing asthma and other chest-related diseases.

The NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto State, Hamis Yahya, thanked the member and the herbalists for the effort, assuring them that the samples would be tested soon.