The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Council of Chiefs, Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Illiyasu-Bashar, said the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic may be due to punishment from God.

He, however, warned the general public not to consult native doctors for treatment of patients infected with coronavirus.

The monarch who stated this in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, also noted that Nigerians must seek forgiveness, as a measure to prevent the deadly disease from spreading in the country.

“This virus has no cure yet and may be a divine punishment on us because of our sins. Our people should go back to God. We should repent from our sins so that God can put away this virus.

“Most of these diseases are due to the violation of God’s rules and commandments, hence people should fear God and adhere to His rules.”

He noted that people should be wary of native doctors claiming to have native medicine for the cure of the virus.

“We should be very careful with native doctors’ claims of medication and curing formula of the COVID-19 virus. Only a fool can’t heed to advise by the appropriate authorities and preventive measures at the expense of native doctors. As we know the virus has no cure and medicine yet,” he said.

“Many native doctors will surface with claims that they have a formula for cure and medicine in order to take advantage of the foolish and vulnerable.

“The appropriate authorities have been campaigning and sensitising people on preventive measures. We should listen to them and heed to their messages as they are experts and professionals in the medical calling,” he said.