Ebola Fear: Scared entertainers on the run

Jim Iyke

Since the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, several scared entertainers have been devising means of carefully protecting themselves, especially in public places. Read below and see why they are scared and running for their dear lives.

"I won't lie, I actually had my bath with salt water yesterday. I don't know how many others fell for that bad joke."

This was Oruka crooner, Sunny Neji's bombshell and clever way of making a joke to undermine his panic.

Neji was one of the petrified Nigerians who woke up last Friday to have a cold bath of salt and water, all in a bid to avoid the Ebola scare.

A day before, panic messages had gone viral online via several platforms including SMS, social media and phone calls.

Fear stricken Nigerians counseled loved ones and friends that the 'miraculous odd mixture' of salt and water will build an instant immunity in the human body and protect them from contacting the highly contagious Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The Ogoja, Rivers State born singer’s public confession to his thousands of facebook fans came without any iota of shame or guilt. Who is talking about shame where it is about the deadly virus called Ebola? Another anonymous victim of the salt and water solution queried.

 

Between Sunny Neji and Jim Iyke

However, reports emerged less than 24 hours later that not everyone who embraced the craze for water and salt bath were lucky to live to joke about the story like Sunny Neji. At least, two persons were feared dead with 20 others hospitalised in various hospitals in Plateau State. They were said to have consumed excessive quantity of salt and bitter kola to prevent Ebola.

Few days before Neji, another entertainer was in the news for his desperate action to run away from the Ebola scourge. Controversial Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke wrote on Instagram from the lounge of a Liberian airport in the capital city of Monrovia, he said. "Not ashamed to admit this scares the Jesus outta me #Ebola."

For effect, the bad boy actor also posted a picture of himself wearing a face mask. Iyke was sitting on green leather-clad seats in the first class lounge complete with an expensive designer watch and sunglasses.

 

Ebola's journey to Nigeria

Like many Nigerians, the fear of Ebola is now the beginning of wisdom among entertainers. Nigeria was free of Ebola until July 20 when a Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer touched down on Lagos soil at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. He became terribly ill on his flight and was rushed to First Consultant Hospital Obalende, Lagos, where he died on July 24.

As at press time, Health Minister, Onyebuchi Chukwu confirmed the death of the third victim of Ebola virus since Sawyer's July 20 demise.

The protocol officer, Mr. Jatto Asihu Abdulqudir, who picked up Sawyer, from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, has died from the deadly disease.

His death brings the total number of persons who have succumbed to the virus in Nigeria to three. Sawyer, the Liberian/American national who flew into Lagos with the virus, died on July 24, while the nurse who treated him at a private hospital also died last week.

Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola has also revealed that more than 200 persons, who had primary and secondary contacts with Sawyer are currently being observed and watched at an isolated centre, to ascertain their health status.

 

Entertainers getting desperate

Entertainment Express investigations revealed that entertainers have now devised extra measures to protect themselves. At a recent public event last week, EE observed a drop in the number of celebrity guests and entertainers at the yearly soiree.

A guest at the event observed that an air of restraint and self-consciousness permeated the atmosphere at the August event. Gone were the usual back-slapping, hugs, handshakes and hi-fives. One fan lamented bitterly how a favourite celebrity of hers turned down a request for pictures.

"It was a very disappointing moment for me. What is the big deal to take a picture with you fan. Agreed that everyone is now scared of Ebola virus yet I find it very rude the way she turned down my humble request," lamented the angry fan.

For Veteran actress, Ann Njemanze, "it's no longer rude not to shake hands." The star-actress in 90s blockbuster, Domitilla, admits that her social life has been affected. Her words "I mean I'm careful how I eat and who I'm saying hello to. It's no longer rude not to shake hands."

EE learnt that other measures employed by entertainers to avoid contact with potential victims of Ebola and put themselves at risk include deliberate absence at church gatherings and overseas trip among others. Whether they are having a salt and water panic bath like Neji or donning a face mask like Iyke, entertainers have gotten more desperate in their bid to avoid being famous victims of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.

 FEMI SALAWU-EE