At least 13 people have died and more than 236 others hospitalised following a cholera outbreak across six local government areas of Niger State, health officials have confirmed.
The outbreak, which was first detected on Sunday in Shiroro LGA, has rapidly spread to Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya councils. The hardest-hit areas include Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, and Shiroro, prompting the state government to launch an emergency response.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed the development and said a multi-sectoral approach was underway to curb the spread.
“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the spread, and we are also embarking on aggressive sensitisation campaigns,” Dangana said. He added that awareness efforts were being channelled through religious and traditional institutions, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic organisations, and the state’s eight emirates.
To strengthen the response, the state government has established an isolation facility at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre on Old Airport Road in Minna.
Dr. Dangana commended Governor Umaru Bago for his swift response and acknowledged the contributions of donor agencies supporting the containment efforts.
The Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, confirmed that Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro remain the epicentres of the outbreak.
Health officials say the situation is under constant surveillance as the state intensifies efforts to contain the disease and prevent further fatalities.
