Residents of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State are in fear following mysterious deaths in the area.
Local sources told theportcitynews.com that about six persons have died within the week from malaria-like symptoms while more have shown shortness of breath and loss of taste, symptoms associated with the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.
The sources said relevant authorities have been informed as they await testing and confirmation by government agencies.
But Mr Jonas Hart told theportcitynews.com that the deaths might not be unconnected with the harvesting of a dead whale which washed up ashore in Finima weeks ago.
But speculations of coronavirus being responsible for the deaths are rife in and has sparked mass hysteria.
Some others attributed the deaths to the gas flaring/oil spillage by the multinationals.
There are reports of families burying their loved ones secretly so as to not attract the attention of the government.
A representative of the Rivers State Ministry of Health said investigation is ongoing to unravel the mystery behind the deaths.