Cholera Outbreak Claims 13 Lives in Niger State, Government Opens Isolation Centres

At least 13 individuals have lost their lives following a severe cholera outbreak that has swept through six local government areas in Niger State, prompting swift emergency response measures from the state government.

According to IReporter Online, the outbreak, first detected on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, has now spread to Chanchaga, Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya LGAs. Health officials have confirmed that over 230 people have been hospitalised as a result of the waterborne disease.

In response to the escalating situation, the state government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre, located along Old Airport Road in Minna. In addition, dedicated treatment and isolation facilities have been set up across all affected LGAs.

Confirming the outbreak, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, stated that a multi-sectoral emergency response had been activated. He said, “We have established treatment and isolation centres to contain the spread and are rolling out aggressive public sensitisation campaigns.”

The public awareness effort, he noted, now targets major religious groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic organisations, and all eight emirates in the state. The state’s response is aimed at curbing the spread of the disease and improving sanitary practices in affected communities.

A health official familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro are the hardest hit by the outbreak. The source confirmed that patients are currently receiving treatment in various primary healthcare centres scattered across the six impacted councils.

Dr. Dangana expressed appreciation to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his prompt intervention, as well as to donor agencies who have extended support during the crisis. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, reinforced the need for urgent hygiene interventions to prevent the outbreak from spreading to neighbouring states.

As of the time of filing this report, medical teams and volunteers continue to work round the clock to manage the crisis and prevent further fatalities.