By Ikpommwosa Odigie
The Niger State Government has activated emergency response centres to combat a cholera outbreak that has claimed at least 13 lives and left over 230 people hospitalised across six local government areas.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, disclosed that the outbreak, which initially surfaced in Shiroro LGA, has now spread to Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya.
To stem the tide, the state has established treatment and isolation centres in all affected local government areas, including a new dedicated cholera treatment wing at the old Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre on Old Airport Road in Minna.
“This is a serious situation. The state government is not taking it lightly. We have activated all our response mechanisms,” Dr. Dangana said.
He added that a multi-sectoral response team has been deployed, with community sensitisation already ongoing. Religious organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders have been mobilised to raise awareness about the outbreak.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, noted that Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro remain the epicentres of the outbreak. He said health workers are on high alert and that the state is working closely with national agencies to contain the disease.
“This is not just about treatment; we’re going into the communities to educate people, improve sanitation practices, and provide clean water where necessary,” he said.
The outbreak underscores the urgent need for improved hygiene, access to potable water, and enhanced public health infrastructure, especially as the rainy season continues.
The Niger State Government has called on residents to maintain strict hygiene, avoid drinking untreated water, and report any symptoms of cholera such as watery diarrhoea and vomiting to the nearest health centre.
