We’ve lost 5 members to coronavirus – Pensioners’ union

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) says five of its members have died of coronavirus.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Comrade Sam Nzene, NUP chairman Nigeria Railway Branch, representing pensioners from the Nigeria Airways, said most of the victims were from Kano State.

Sam said: “Considering our age, some of us have terminal sicknesses and we can’t buy drugs because of the situation. Some of our members have even died of  COVID-19.

• Local cure for COVID-19 at advanced stage, says Ooni
• COVID-19: FG lists Lagos, FCT, Kano, Ogun, Kaduna, Sokoto for WHO drug trials

“Nothing has been given to us so far as palliative, even our pensions that have been due since two years, the balance of 50 percent has not been paid.

”We are not even talking about palliative because no one is thinking about the wellbeing of pensioners.

“All we are saying is: pay us our pensions so that we can survive and take care of ourselves during this terrible period. Considering our age, we are very vulnerable and the government should consider us in their plans.”